Imaging and choosing the right patients for transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach

Advances in imaging for preoperative localization have propelled the widespread adoption of minimally invasive/focused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism. Though it is performed through a relatively small incision, studies have shown that the presence of a neck scar increases attentional bias towards the neck resulting in compromised quality of life. Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA) eliminates a neck scar. While indications for TOEPVA are the same as that of minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy, confident preoperative localization of the parathyroid with a surgeon performed ultrasound along with concordant localization with SPECT CT is an essential prerequisite before offering patients this approach for parathyroidectomy. Early data has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this approach.