Results of Video-assisted Parathyroidectomy: Single Institution’s Six-year Experience

Endoscopic surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) started in 1996 with a parathyroidectomy performed by Michel Gagner. The technique we propose and have been using for 6 years is based on a unique central access and external retraction. From February 1997 to October 2003, 370 of 520 patients affected with PHPT (71%) underwent minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP). There were 72 men and 298 women, with a mean age of 55.8 years. Twenty-four patients (6.5%) of the 370 in this series underwent MIVAP under loco-regional anesthesia, and the others had general anesthesia. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up. Surgical cure of PHPT was achieved in 353 patients (98,3%), as confirmed by a median follow-up of 35.1 months (range: 2–82 months). Video-assisted exploration was successfully performed in 350 patients (94%). The mean operative time was 36.2 minutes. In 21 cases (5.6%) a concomitant procedure was performed: a thyroid lobectomy in 14 cases and a total thyroidectomy in 7 cases. Patients were generally discharged the day after surgery. Most of the patients (91%) were satisfied with the cosmetic result 6 or more months after the procedure. Complications developed in 14 cases: 10 cases (2.7%) of transient hypoparathyroidism 3 cases (0.8%) of definitive palsies of the recurrent nerve, and 1 case of postoperative bleeding (0.27%). After 6 years of experience, MIVAP appears to be as safe and curative as traditional surgery, with better cosmetic results and better postoperative outcome.This article was presented at the International Association of Endocrine Surgeons meeting, Uppsala, Sweden, June 14-17, 2004.     

Diversification of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism: minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy and minimally invasive open videoscopically magnified parathyroidectomy with local anesthesia

With the expansion of minimally invasive parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, new approaches and techniques evolved, creating new surgical algorithms with consequences for indication for surgery and patient selection. The presented methods of selective, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy represent this development of diversification. Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) has advanced to bilateral exploration, avoiding preoperative localization other than ultrasonography. Furthermore, a new technique of minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy with the option of videoscopic magnification under local anesthesia (MIPLA) for localizable adenomas is introduced. A series of 103 patients were operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism using minimally invasive procedures: 87 with MIVAP and 16 with MIPLA. With MIVAP the conversion rate to cervicotomy for multiglandular disease or technical difficulties was 16% (n = 14). With MIPLA, conversion to general intubation anesthesia or additional sedation was necessary in four patients. A transient laryngeal nerve palsy was observed in one patient with MIVAP. Bilateral exploration was carried out during 29 MIVAPs and 2 MIPLAs. The duration of surgery differed, with a median 63 minutes for MIVAP and 39 minutes for MIPLA. Surgery under local anesthesia was completed in 4 patients with MIVAP and in 14 with MIPLA. All patients were cured of primary hyperparathyroidism. Preliminary results of diversified procedures demonstrate effects regarding omission of preoperative diagnostics, overall cost reduction, and increasing patient selection for selective parathyroid surgery because of primary hyperparathyroidism.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing regional and general anaesthesia in minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial was performed in a single institution to compare the results of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) conducted under regional anaesthesia (RA) or general anaesthesia (GA). METHODS: Fifty-one patients undergoing MIVAP for primary hyperparathyroidism were assigned randomly to either RA (26 patients) or GA (25). RA involved a bilateral deep cervical block, and local infiltration of the incision site with a mixture of 0.25 per cent lignocaine and 0.15 per cent bupivacaine. GA was induced by intravenous administration of propofol, remifentanil and rocuronium bromide. RESULTS: The two groups were matched for age, sex, adenoma size, and preoperative serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. The interval from skin incision to closure was similar in the two groups (27.6 and 25.8 min for RA and GA respectively), whereas the total operating time (from induction of anaesthesia to return to the ward) was significantly lower with RA (72.1 versus 90.2 min; P = 0.001). The postoperative requirement for pain medication, measured in terms of amount of ketorolac administered at the request of the patient, was significantly lower in the RA group (28.5 versus 80 mg/day; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MIVAP performed under RA was associated with a shorter overall operating time and a reduced need for postoperative pain relief.     

Video-assisted parathyroidectomy in the management of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, different minimally invasive techniques of parathyroidectomy have been described. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the indications and results of video-assisted parathyroidectomy (Vap) in the management of our patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 5 years (1998-2002), we operated on 528 patients with PHPT. Vap was proposed for patients with sporadic PHPT, without associated goiter and without previous neck surgery, in whom a single adenoma was localized by means of sonography and/or sestamibi scanning. Vap was performed by lateral approach with insufflation for patients with adenoma located deeply in the neck and by gasless midline approach for patients with adenoma located anteriorly. A quick parathyroid (qPTH) assay was used during the surgical procedures. Calcemia, phosphoremia and PTH were systematically evaluated in patients on days 1 and 8, 1 month and 1 year after surgery. All patients underwent pre-operative and postoperative investigations of vocal cord movements. RESULTS: Among 528 patients with PHPT, 228 (43%) were not eligible for Vap: associated nodular goiter (99 cases), previous neck surgery (42 cases), suspicion of multiglandular disease (25 cases), lack of pre-operative localization (48 cases), and miscellaneous causes (14 cases). Vap was performed in 300 patients with sporadic PHPT: 282 lateral access, 17 midline access and 1 thoracoscopy. Median operative time was 50 min (20-130 min). Conversion to conventional parathyroidectomy was required in 42 patients (14%): missed adenomas (11 cases), difficulties of dissection (7 cases), multiglandular disease correctly predicted by qPTH (10 cases); qPTH assay false negative results (3 cases), sestamibi scan false positive results (10 cases) and 1 sonography false positive result. One patient presented definitive recurrent nerve palsy. One patient had a persistent PHPT and one other patient had a recurrent PHPT. CONCLUSION: Vap can be proposed for more than half of patients with PHPT. In our experience Vap and conventional parathyroidectomy are complementary. Immediate results of Vap are similar to those obtained with conventional parathyroidectomy but no conclusions can be drawn in terms of influence of Vap on the outcome of the patients operated for PHPT.     

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy: lesson learned from 137 cases

Background: Since February 1997, a technique of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) was developed at our institution for the treatment of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (sPHPT). In this study we analyzed the entire series of patients who underwent MIVAP during the last 3 years.

Study Design: One hundred thirty-seven patients with sPHPT were selected for MIVAP. Selection criteria were: diagnosis of single adenoma based on preoperative localization studies (ultrasonography, sestamibi scintigraphy, or both), and no previous neck surgery or concomitant large multinodular goiter. The procedure, already described, is performed by a gasless video-assisted technique through a single 1.5-cm central skin incision above the sternal notch. Quick, intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay was used in 134 cases (97.8%) to confirm the complete removal of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue.

Results: Mean operative time was 54.3 ± 22.6 minutes. The conversion rate was 8.8%. One laryngeal nerve palsy was registered (0.7%), as was one case of persistent hyperparathyroidism. In six patients (4.4%) a transient symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia was observed. Two thyroid lobectomies were associated using the same minimally invasive access. At a mean followup of 15.4 ± 10.6 months, all but two patients were normocalcemic. The cosmetic result was considered excellent by most of the patients (92.8%).

Conclusions: Although not all patients with sPHPT are eligible for MIVAP, this approach can now be proposed in a bigger proportion (67% of patients). As already demonstrated in a previous study, also in a large series of patients, after greater experience has been achieved, the results and the operative time are the same as in traditional surgery, with better cosmetic result and a less painful course.     

Feasibility of video-assisted bilateral neck exploration for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and failed or discordant localization studies

Purpose

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) is generally adopted for patients affected by primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) with clear preoperative localization. Standard bilateral neck exploration (BNE) is considered the obligate surgery for patients with unlocalized glands. We reviewed our experience of minimally invasive video-assisted BNE in patients with pHPT and negative or discordant localization studies.

Methods

From a prospective series of 576 MIVAP for pHPT, 107 patients (19 males, 88 females; mean age 58 years) with failed localization studies underwent BNE using the video-assisted technique. Operative time, complications, conversions to standard cervical exploration, and cure rate were analyzed.

Results

MIVAP with BNE was successfully completed in 99 (93 %) patients with 8 conversions. Mean operative time was 57?±?37 min (range 20–180 min). Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in one patient. Biochemical cure was achieved in 104 patients (97 %). Five patients required a reoperation in the immediate postoperative period, which achieved cure in four. Two patients remained with persistent disease; one developed recurrence disease 3 years after the first exploration.

Conclusion

In experienced hands, video-assisted BNE for pHPT is feasible and safe and provides results equivalent to the conventional open technique.     

Indications and results of video-assisted parathyroidectomy by a lateral approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Different minimally invasive techniques of parathyroidectomy have been described. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the indications and results of video-assisted parathyroidectomy by lateral approach (VAPLA) in the management of our patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). METHODS: From December 1997 to December 2000, we operated on 293 patients with PHPT. VAPLA was proposed for patients with sporadic PHPT in whom a single adenoma was localized by means of sonography or sestamibi scanning, or both. VAPLA was performed on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A quick parathormone (PTH) assay was used during the surgical procedures. RESULTS: Of the 293 patients, 127 (43.3%) were not eligible for VAPLA: ipsilateral previous neck surgery (28 cases), associated nodular goiter (59 cases), suspicion of multiglandular disease (15 cases), no preoperative localization (17 cases), and miscellaneous causes (8 cases). VAPLA was performed in 166 patients (56.7%). Conversion to conventional parathyroidectomy was required in 26 patients (15.6%). Morbidity included 2 local hematomas, 1 definitive recurrent nerve palsy, and 4 capsular fractures. All of the 166 patients were normocalcemic, with follow-up ranging from 3 to 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: VAPLA is safe and effective. It should be reserved for patients with sporadic PHPT, with a small single adenoma clearly localized preoperatively.     

Endoscopic bilateral neck exploration versus quick intraoperative parathormone assay (qPTHa) during endoscopic parathyroidectomy: A prospective randomized trial

Background Quick intraoperative parathormone assay (qPTHa) during paratyroidectomy has become a standard procedure for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This paper aims to compare endoscopic bilateral neck exploration (BE) versus focused parathyroidectomy plus qPTHa during minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (QM). The endpoints of the study are the mean operative time and outcome of the surgical procedure (PTH and calcemia normalization at one and six months postoperatively). Methods Forty patients with PHPT, positive to preoperative localization studies (ultrasonography evaluation and ⁹⁹Tc-MIBI scan) for a single parathyroid adenoma, were randomly allotted into two groups. In the first group (QM), 20 patients (17 women, three men, mean age 57.6 years) underwent focused endoscopic parathyroidectomy (MIVAP tecnicque) plus qPTHa . In the second group (BE) 20 patients (17 women, three men, mean age 59.6 years) underwent endoscopic parathyroidectomy plus bilateral exploration in order to check the integrity of the remaining glands. Results There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. No conversion to cervicotomy was required. No postoperative complications were reported. The mean operative time was 32.0 vs 33.1 min [BE and QM group respectively, p = not significant (ns)]. A second macroscopically enlarged gland was removed in four patients in the BE group. Only one out of four glands was reported to be hyperplastic in the final histology. All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. Calcemia levels were normalized in all patient of both groups, despite persistently high level of serum PTH in one patient in the QM group. Conclusions BE can be performed endoscopically, avoiding both the time necessary for qPTHa and its cost, with the same effectiveness, but might in few cases lead to the unjustified removal of parathyroid glands slightly enlarged but not necessarily pathologic.     

Impact of localization studies on feasibility of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in an endemic goiter region

BACKGROUND: A localized single-gland disease is the basis for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). (99m)Tc sestamibi scanning (MIBI) and high-resolution Doppler ultrasonography (US) are well-established techniques used to localize enlarged parathyroid glands. Additionally, US enables physicians to diagnose subclinical thyroid abnormalities. The aim of this study was to optimize localization results, applying a combined interpretation of MIBI and US, and to analyze the influence of these results on the feasibility of MIP (endoscopic/video-assisted and open) in an endemic goiter region. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred fifty consecutive patients with sporadic PHPT were prospectively subjected to MIBI and US to localize parathyroid lesions and to review the morphology of the thyroid gland. Bilateral cervical exploration was performed in all patients. The feasibility of MIP was calculated retrospectively on the basis of surgical findings and biochemical outcomes at least 12 months postoperatively (normocalcemia in 148 of 150 patients [99%]). RESULTS: Forty-five percent of patients (67 of 148) would have been suitable for minimally invasive endoscopic or video-assisted parathyroid exploration. These procedures would have succeeded in 38% of patients (56 of 148). Sixty-four percent (94 of 148) would have been suitable for minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy, which would have succeeded in 55% (82 of 148 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients are suitable for MIP. A combined interpretation of MIBI and US results is helpful in planning targeted exploration. In an endemic goiter region minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy is applicable in significantly more patients than is endoscopic and video-assisted MIP.     

Minimally Invasive Video-assisted Parathyroidectomy: Multiinstitutional Study

Unilateral and minimally invasive parathyroidectomies with endoscopic and video-assisted technique have been introduced. Most of these procedures utilize preoperative localization and intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone. There are only a few reports on these procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) for surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). From February 1997 to June 1999 a series of 123 consecutive patients with pHPT at four surgical centers were evaluated. The patients' ages ranged from 18 to 77 years (median 50 years). Preoperatively, sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasonography for localization were performed for all patients. Selection criteria for a MIVAP procedure excluded patients with negative localization, suspicion of multiglandular disease (MGD) or thyroid malignancy, a large thyroid mass, and prior surgery or irradiation to the neck. MIVAP was performed with a 1.5 cm suprasternal incision; the operation was then done through this incision with a 30 degree 5 mm endoscope and microsurgical instruments with brief CO₂ insufflation for adenoma identification. We then proceeded with an open technique through the small incision under video-assistance. Intraoperative monitoring of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) assays was used in all patients. Among the 123 patients in whom MIVAP was attempted, the procedure was accomplished in 109 (89%). Conversion to conventional cervicotomy was required in 14 (11%) patients because of failed localization, failure of the iPTH level to fall appropriately, or technical problems. There was no persistent or recurrent HPT during the 3 to 12-month follow-up. Oral calcium replacement for symptomatic hypocalcemia postoperatively was given in 7 (6%) cases. A unilateral transient laryngeal nerve palsy, resolving within 6 months postoperatively, occurred in two (2%) patients. The median hospital stay was 1.5 days (range 0.5–5.0 days). This study showed the feasibility of MIVAP as an alternative surgical treatment for pHPT in a selected group of patients. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and rationale of MIVAP compared to other techniques for parathyroidectomy in pHPT patients.     

Use of a handheld, semiconductor (cadmium zinc telluride)-based gamma camera in navigation surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism

The recent development of gamma-ray probes makes it possible to perform radioguided surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). There have only been a few reports, however, regarding the use of a handheld gamma camera to detect parathyroid adenoma intraoperatively. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the efficiency of a semiconductor gamma camera (eZ-SCOPE AN) in navigation surgery for PHPT. The eZ-SCOPE is designed to be used as a handheld, regional diagnostic imaging device. Eleven consecutive patients with documented primary hyperparathyroidism underwent surgery using this compact camera. Scintigraphy images of the neck by eZ-SCOPE were acquired: 1) before skin incision; 2) after adenoma location; 3) after adenoma excision; and 4) ex vivo imaging of the specimen. In scan-positive cases by preoperative Tc-MIBI, the eZ-SCOPE revealed parathyroid adenoma in all cases (100%), whereas ultrasound and CT showed a single adenoma in 63.6 and 72.7 per cent of cases, respectively. Navigation surgery for PHPT using the eZ-SCOPE permitted intraoperative identification and removal of parathyroid adenoma in all cases. Scintigraphy images of the neck by eZ-SCOPE also revealed a single adenoma even before skin incision. Our results suggest that Tc-MIBI scintigraphy with the eZ-SCOPE is useful for navigation surgery for PHPT. The eZ-SCOPE is useful for skin marking and could be easily applied for minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy in scan-positive cases.     

Video-assisted parathyroidectomy: learning curve]

STUDY AIM: Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) was introduced in 1997 for the treatment of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (sPHPT). The study aim was to review the entire series of patients operated on in order to analyse the learning curve of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 1997 to January 2001, 185 patients underwent MIVAP. All these patients were divided into three groups: group A (GA) included 63 patients operated on between February 1997 and September 1998; group B (GB) 64 patients operated on between October 1998 and January 2000; Group C (GC) 64 patients operated on between January 2000 and January 2001. Mean operative time, complications and conversions rates of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: The three groups were well matched for age and gender. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in patients of GC (28.3 +/- 13.6 min) when compared with GA (62.3 +/- 24.6 min) and GB (48.4 +/- 18.1 min). Conversion was required in 3 cases of GA (4.8%), in 8 cases of GB (12.8%) and in 4 cases of GC (6.5%). One transient postoperative recurrent nerve palsy and 4 cases of transient postoperative hypocalcemia were observed among patients of GA. No complications were registered in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that with increasing experience, the operative time of MIVAP was dramatically reduced, as well as postoperative complications rate. The higher percentage of conversion in groups B and C may be explained by the fact that, with increasing experience, more difficult and ambiguous cases were operated with this technique.     

Outcomes analysis of intraoperative adjuncts during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) and intraoperative parathyroid hormone–guided parathyroidectomy (ioPTH) have equivalent intermediate-term outcomes in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).MethodsA retrospective study of 244 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT in a 25-month time period was conducted. Patients who either underwent MIRP- or ioPTH-guided parathyroidectomies were included. The primary outcome was persistent disease. Conversion to bilateral exploration, complications, and multigland disease (MGD) were secondary outcomes.ResultsThere was 1 MIRP patient and no ioPTH patients who had persistent disease. The ioPTH group had more conversions to a bilateral exploration (bilateral neck exploration [BNE]) (3.7% vs 13%, P = .024). In the MIRP group, no patients were found to have MGD. In the ioPTH group, 7 patients with double adenomas and 6 patients with MGD were found (0 vs 13, P = .0028).ConclusionsioPTH facilitates successful minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) when compared with MIRP and provides cure rates similar to BNE.     

The actual role of classic bilateral cervicotomic approach for primary hyperparathyroidism in the era of minimally invasive surgery

Recent advances in preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenomas and intraoperative prove of complete removal of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue have fostered less invasive operative procedures which directly target the diseased gland. Such strategies have partially replaced the previous gold standard procedure of bilateral neck exploration. We herein report on our own series of 1099 consecutive operations for primary hyperparathyroidism performed in a 16 year period and provide information and arguments for primary bilateral exploration in selected cases. 97.1% of patients were cured by the primary operation. From 1999 through 2001, 200 patients underwent bilateral neck exploration, whereas 63 unilateral operations were performed (33 patients were treated by minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) and 30 by minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy (MIOP). In the remaining 200 patients minimally invasive unilateral parathyroid surgery was not feasible due to concomitant goiter (n = 102), lack of preoperative localisation (n = 30), previous thyroid surgery (n = 10), suspected multiglandular disease (n = 10), or other reasons (n = 8). In 40 patients the decision for bilateral neck exploration was made despite feasibility of a unilateral approach. CONCLUSION: Whereas unilateral exploration produced excellent cure rates in older patients, it is not recommended in patients with a high likelihood of multiglandular disease, presence of a large or multinodular goitre, high PTH levels, giant adenoma, unclear MIBI scans or an unreliable OPTH assay. Contrasting recent reports on a dramatic shift of technique towards minimally invasive procedures unilateral parathyroid surgery may not be preferably advisable in a majority of patients from countries with insufficient iodine supplementation.     

Cervical thymectomy for intrathymic parathyroid adenomas during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: The development of an intrathymic parathyroid adenoma is common, and thymectomy is a significant component of the parathyroid surgeon's technical armamentarium. Over the last decade, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become the standard technique for removal of an abnormal parathyroid gland, and the requirement for thymectomy should remain unchanged during the era of minimally invasive techniques. The aim of this paper was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of cervical thymectomy for intrathymic parathyroid adenomas during MIP. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. The study group comprised all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy in the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit during a 5-year period (January 2001 to December 2005). Patients undergoing MIP and open parathyroidectomy with a concomitant cervical thymectomy were compared. RESULTS: A total of 840 patients underwent parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) during this period. A total of 30 MIP procedures with concurrent thymectomy were performed, and 99 open bilateral neck explorations with cervical thymectomy were performed. Of the MIP thymectomy group, there were 25 female and 5 male patients; the average age was 57 years (range, 22 to 82). A mean length of 34 mm of thymus was extracted via the minimally invasive approach (range, 8 to 85 mm). In 5 cases, only fatty tissue was identified histologically, and, in 5 cases, a small supernumerary parathyroid gland was identified in the histologic specimen. Only 1 patient suffered temporary, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy; there were no cases of postoperative hemorrhage requiring return to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical thymectomy for removal of intrathymic parathyroid adenomas can be performed during lateral focused mini-incision MIP with a safety and efficacy equivalent to open bilateral neck explorations.     

Cost-effectiveness of scan-directed parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Concordant parathyroid localization with sestamibi and ultrasound scans allows minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) to be performed in patients with non-familial primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). AIM: To investigate the financial implications of scan-directed parathyroid surgery. METHODS: Analysis of hospital records for a cohort of consecutive unselected patients treated in a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: Two hundred patients (138F:62M, age 18-91years) were operated for non-familial PHPT between Jan 2003 and Oct 2007. MIP was performed in 129 patients, with a mean operative time was 35 +/- 18min. Some 75 patients were discharged the same day and the others had a total of 72 in-patient days. Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was performed in 71 patients with negative/non-concordant scans. Mean operative time was 58 +/- 25min. Only nine patients were discharged the same day and a total of 93 in-patient days were used ( approximately 1.3days/patient). The estimated total costs incurred were pound215,035 ( approximately 290,000). These costs would have been covered by the National Tariff ( pound2,170 per parathyroidectomy) but were higher than those possibly incurred if all 200 patients would have undergone BNE without any radiological investigations ( pound166,000 approximately 224,100). CONCLUSION: Shorter operative time and day-case admission for MIP generate costs savings that compensate only partially for the additional costs associated with parathyroid imaging studies.     

Bilateral Neck Exploration in Primary Hyperparathyroidism—When Is It Selected and How Is It Performed?

Background  

Although most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are ideal candidates for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, some will have more than one enlarged gland and require bilateral neck exploration to achieve biochemical cure. We evaluated the clinical evidence for when to choose bilateral neck exploration for patients with PHPT.     

Thyroid pathology associated with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: Thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid disease associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) have been well described. With the developing trend toward minimally invasive parathyroidectomy without intra-operative thyroid gland palpation, thyroid pathology may be missed. The authors consider it timely to revisit the issue of thyroid pathology found at neck exploration for PHPT. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of neck exploration for PHPT between 1993 and 1998 at Liverpool Hospital was undertaken. RESULTS: There were 65 patients in the study group (44 women, 21 men; mean age: 59 years). The most common indication for surgery was asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. The mean pre-operative calcium level was 2.9 mmol/L and the mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 17 pmol/L. There were 26 cases (40%) of coexistent thyroid pathology. Ten cases (15%) were of mild multinodular change, seven cases (11%) were of severe multinodular change requiring thyroidectomy, three cases (4%) were nodules secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and six cases (10%) were suspicious nodules that proved to be either adenomas (n = 3) or carcinomas (n = 3) following excision. There were four papillary carcinomas detected in the present series with a mean metastases, age, completeness of excision, invasion size (MACIS) score of 4.92. CONCLUSION: A 25% association of significant thyroid pathology with PHPT is reported. Despite pre-operative tests there were two cases (4%) of thyroid carcinoma where the decision to resect the thyroid gland was made following intra-operative thyroid gland palpation. One of these two papillary carcinoma patients would have fulfilled criteria for minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. When evaluating results of minimally invasive parathyroid surgery one must be aware of the potential for missed thyroid pathology.     

Experienced radio-guided surgery teams can successfully perform minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy without intraoperative parathyroid hormone assays

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is an accepted treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism. The need for intraoperative parathyroid hormone assays (iPTH) to confirm adenoma removal remains controversial. We studied minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) performed using preoperative sestamibi localization studies, intraoperative gamma detection probe, and the selective use of frozen section pathology without the use of iPTH. This is a single institution review of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism treated with MIRP by surgeons experienced in radio-guided surgery between October 1, 1998 and July 15, 2005. Information was obtained by reviewing computer medical records as well as contacting primary care physicians. Factors evaluated included laboratory values, pathology results, and evidence of recurrence. One hundred forty patients were included with a median preoperative calcium level of 11.3 mg/dL (range, 9.6-17) and a PTH level of 147 pg/mL (range, 19-5042). The median postoperative calcium level was 9.3 mg/dL. All patients were initially eucalcemic postoperatively except for one who had normal parathyroid levels. However, five (4%) patients required re-exploration for various reasons. Of the failures, one was secondary to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and therefore would not have benefited from iPTH, one had thyroid tissue removed at the first operation, and three developed evidence of a second adenoma. One of these three patients had a drop in PTH level from 1558 pg/mL preoperatively to 64 pg/mL on postoperative Day 1, indicating that iPTH would not have prevented this failure. Thus, only three (2.1%) patients could have potentially benefited from the use of iPTH. MIRP was successful in 96 per cent of patients using a combination of preoperative sestamibi scans, intraoperative localization with a gamma probe, and the selective use of frozen pathology. This correlates with reported success rates of 95 per cent to 100 per cent using iPTH. We conclude that minimally invasive parathyroidectomy can be successfully performed without using iPTH assays.     

Parathyroidectomy Decreases Insulin Resistance Index in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been considered a cause of insulin resistance (IR) and impaired glucose metabolism. However, there are conflicting results related with the recovery of insulin resistance in patients with PHPT following curative parathyroidectomy. Our aim is to evaluate the effects of curative parathyroidectomy on IR in patients with PHPT. This is a prospective interventional study. Twenty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic PHPT were included into the study. All patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Fasting serum glucose, calcium, phosphorous, parathormone, plasma insulin, and vitamin D levels were measured both at baseline and 2 months after parathyroidectomy. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis of model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Two months after curative parathyroidectomy, serum levels of calcium (p?=?0.001), PTH (p?<?0.001), insulin (p?=?0.003), and HOMA-IR (p?=?0.003) decreased, while phosphorous levels increased (p?=?0.001). During this period, no changes were observed at vitamin D and glucose levels. We concluded that curative parathyroidectomy decreases HOMA-IR index in patients with PHPT. Studies with larger population and longer follow-up period are required to confirm our results.