Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with operative ultrasound localization of the adenoma

Background Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is the procedure of choice for primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma. Adequate perioperative adenoma localization is essential for this operation. We describe a technique using ultrasound to perform minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.Methods ^99mTc sestamibi scanning was performed on patients with primary hyperparathyroidism to localize parathyroid adenomas; no intraoperative gamma probe was used. We also performed pre- and intraoperative ultrasound scanning to localize these adenomas.Results All patients underwent successful localization and removal of their parathyroid adenomas. At follow-up, all patients were well, with calcium within normal limits.Conclusion The use of intraoperative ultrasound facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and may obviate the need for intraoperative ^99mTc sestamibi scanning.