The Technique of Endoscopic Exploration for Parathyroid Adenoma of the Neck

BACKGROUND: The technical details of endoscopic exploration of parathyroid adenoma are described here, thereby drawing attention to the enormous potential of this new modality of minimal-access surgery. METHODS: Four patients with a parathyroid adenoma that was clearly demonstrated by pre-operative localization imaging techniques were subject to endoscopic exploration using one 11 mm and two 5 mm ports: a technique heretofore undescribed. RESULTS: An adenoma was successfully localized endoscopically in each case and was removed. The postoperative outcome proved most encouraging: no analgesics were required, the hypercalcaemia rapidly corrected and the patients were pleased with the smallness of scars. CONCLUSIONS: The described endoscopic approach is a viable and promising alternative to open surgery for parathyroid adenoma; further study would be fruitful.