Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Robotic transthoracic approach to ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma: A case report
Gavin P Dowling1, Cian M Hehir1, Gordon R Daly1
1Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Introduction:
Ectopic parathyroid adenomas represent an important cause of refractory hyperparathyroidism. While most ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenomas can be accessed through a transcervical approach, this is not always feasible, posing a significant challenge.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient who presented with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Sestamibi scan was performed and failed to identify a parathyroid adenoma. Bilateral neck exploration was performed on twice, with normal parathyroid glands excised on both occasions. At this stage, a repeat sestamibi and CT scan revealed a suspected parathyroid adenoma in the mediastinum. A transthoracic robotic parathyroidectomy was performed, and the adenoma successfully excised. A full serological and symptomatic recovery was achieved.
Discussion:
Mediastinal parathyroid adenomas can pose significant diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Conclusion:
A robotic transthoracic approach demonstrates a safe method for the removal of parathyroid adenomas which are inaccessible transcervically, with low morbidity to patients.
