Endoscopic and robotic parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Chapter 11: Treatment modalities

Treatment modalities for primary hyperparathyroidism must take account of the expected benefits and risks of each treatment envisaged, before choosing the definitive option to be proposed to the patient. In this section, a Foreword puts in perspective the difficulties involved in choosing the criteria for a particular treatment method. Treatments are then considered one after the other: surgery, local destruction and medical management. This section does not consider therapeutic indications, which are dealt with in a section 9.

Feasibility and Safety of transoral robotic parathyroidectomy: Initial experience with a new approach for parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

We present the initial outcomes of transoral robotic parathyroidectomy (TORP) using the transoral vestibular approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

METHOD

A retrospective case series analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with PHPT between October 2016 and July 2019 who underwent transoral robotic surgery for parathyroidectomy.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (five males and eight females) successfully underwent TORP at our institution from October 2016 to July 2019. Eight patients underwent TORP alone, and five underwent TORP combined with transoral robotic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone, total calcium, and ionized calcium decreased to normal postoperatively and continued to decrease during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that TORP holds promise for the treatment of patients with PHPT with the advantages of the robotic procedure, including dynamic visualization and meticulous dissection.

Robotic-assisted thoracoscopy in the management of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma: a case report

Mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas, a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, has evolved significantly with the advent of robotic-assisted surgery. Traditional surgical approaches, while effective, may be associated with considerable morbidity and extended recovery periods. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, precision, and postoperative outcomes of robotic thoracoscopy with parathyroidectomy in the management of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas. A case of a 70-year-old man with a history of primary hyperparathyroidism underwent a successful left robotic thoracoscopy with parathyroidectomy in an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. The robotic approach demonstrated advantages such as enhanced precision and minimal invasiveness. However, the learning curve and cost implications of this technology were identified as considerations. Robotic thoracoscopy with parathyroidectomy underscores the potential of robotic surgery in revolutionizing the management of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas, offering promising precision, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, and evaluation to optimize this innovative surgical method.

Robotic parathyroidectomy is a feasible technique for primary hyperparathyroidism

PURPOSE

Focused parathyroidectomy is the gold standard treatment modality for primary hyperparathyroidism, which allows accurate preoperative localization. Robotic parathyroidectomy has emerged as a feasible procedure for focused parathyroidectomy. This study aimed to report the experiences of gasless robotic transaxillary parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism in a single center.

METHODS

We assessed the data obtained from patients who underwent gasless robotic parathyroidectomy with the transaxillary approach between December 2013 and August 2022 and were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism at our institute. The data included clinical, biochemical, and pathological features and operation time.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients, 11 were women and one was a man. The median age of the patients was 44.5 years (range: 15-65 years). The median preoperative maximum mass diameters on ultrasonography and neck computed tomography were 1.2 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.6 cm, respectively. The median size of the postoperative maximum mass diameter in gross pathology was 1.3 ± 0.4 cm. The location of the enlarged parathyroid was left superior in five patients, right inferior in four, left inferior in three, and no right superior in one. In the final pathological examination, all cases were parathyroid adenomas. Only one case experienced a postoperative bleeding complication. At six months from surgery, average of an axillary scar length was 5.85 cm, and an average width was 0.21 cm. The mean operative time was 113 ± 48 min. The mean robot docking and console times were 9 ± 5 and 47 ± 52 min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic transaxillary parathyroidectomy is a feasible technique in select patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and preoperatively localized disease. The gasless robotic transaxillary approach provides procedural safety as well as superior cosmetic results without a neck scar.

Advancements in Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Utilizations and Upcoming Frontiers

Robotic surgery, a groundbreaking advancement in medical technology, has redefined the landscape of surgical procedures. This comprehensive overview explores the multifaceted world of robotic surgery, encompassing its definition, historical development, current applications, clinical outcomes, benefits, emerging frontiers, challenges, and future implications. We delve into the fundamentals of robotic surgical systems, examining their components and advantages. From general and gynecological surgery to urology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and beyond, we highlight the diverse specialties where robotic surgery is making a significant impact. The many benefits discussed include improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, faster recovery times, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced surgeon experiences. The outlook reveals a healthcare landscape where robotic surgery is increasingly vital, enabling personalized medicine, bridging healthcare disparities, and advancing surgical precision. However, challenges such as cost, surgeon training, technical issues, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain relevant. In conclusion, robotic surgery is poised to continue shaping the future of health care, offering transformative possibilities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ethical governance.

Parathyroidectomy for adults with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a disorder in which the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone, is most common in older adults and postmenopausal women. While most people with PHPT are asymptomatic at diagnosis, symptomatic disease can lead to hypercalcaemia, osteoporosis, renal stones, cardiovascular abnormalities and reduced quality of life. Surgical removal of abnormal parathyroid tissue (parathyroidectomy) is the only established treatment for adults with symptomatic PHPT to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and to be cured of PHPT. However, the benefits and risks of parathyroidectomy compared to simple observation or medical therapy for asymptomatic and mild PHPT are not well established.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of parathyroidectomy in adults with PHPT compared to simple observation or medical therapy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP from their date of inception until 26 November 2021. We applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing parathyroidectomy with simple observation or medical therapy for the treatment of adults with PHPT.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. cure of PHPT, 2. morbidity related to PHPT and 3. serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 1. all-cause mortality, 2. health-related quality of life and 3. hospitalisation for hypercalcaemia, acute renal impairment or pancreatitis. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified eight eligible RCTs that included 447 adults with (mostly asymptomatic) PHPT; 223 participants were randomised to parathyroidectomy. Follow-up duration varied from six months to 24 months. Of the 223 participants (37 men) randomised to surgery, 164 were included in the analyses, of whom 163 were cured at six to 24 months (overall cure rate 99%). Parathyroidectomy compared to observation probably results in a large increase in cure rate at six to 24 months follow-up: 163/164 participants (99.4%) in the parathyroidectomy group and 0/169 participants in the observation or medical therapy group were cured of their PHPT (8 studies, 333 participants; moderate certainty).  No studies explicitly reported intervention effects on morbidities related to PHPT, such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, kidney dysfunction, urolithiasis, cognitive dysfunction or cardiovascular disease, although some studies reported surrogate outcomes for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A post-hoc analysis revealed that parathyroidectomy, compared to observation or medical therapy, may have little or no effect after one to two years on bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (mean difference (MD) 0.03 g/cm2,95% CI -0.05 to 0.12; 5 studies, 287 participants; very low certainty). Similarly, compared to observation, parathyroidectomy may have little or no effect on femoral neck BMD after one to two years (MD -0.01 g/cm2, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.11; 3 studies, 216 participants; very low certainty). However, the evidence is very uncertain for both BMD outcomes. Furthermore, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of parathyroidectomy on improving left ventricular ejection fraction (MD -2.38%, 95% CI -4.77 to 0.01; 3 studies, 121 participants; very low certainty). Four studies reported serious adverse events. Three of these reported zero events in both the intervention and control groups; consequently, we were unable to include data from these three studies in the pooled analysis. The evidence suggests that parathyroidectomy compared to observation may have little or no effect on serious adverse events (RR 3.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 78.60; 4 studies, 168 participants; low certainty).  Only two studies reported all-cause mortality. One study could not be included in the pooled analysis as zero events were observed in both the intervention and control groups. Parathyroidectomy compared to observation may have little or no effect on all-cause mortality, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 2.11, 95% CI 0.20 to 22.60; 2 studies, 133 participants; very low certainty). Three studies measured health-related quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and reported inconsistent differences in scores for different domains of the questionnaire between parathyroidectomy and observation. Six studies reported hospitalisations for the correction of hypercalcaemia. Two studies reported zero events in both the intervention and control groups and could not be included in the pooled analysis. Parathyroidectomy, compared to observation, may have little or no effect on hospitalisation for hypercalcaemia (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.20 to 4.25; 6 studies, 287 participants; low certainty). There were no reported hospitalisations for renal impairment or pancreatitis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with the literature, our review findings suggest that parathyroidectomy, compared to simple observation or medical (etidronate) therapy, probably results in a large increase in cure rates of PHPT (with normalisation of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels to laboratory reference values). Parathyroidectomy, compared with observation, may have little or no effect on serious adverse events or hospitalisation for hypercalcaemia, and the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of parathyroidectomy on other short-term outcomes, such as BMD, all-cause mortality and quality of life. The high uncertainty of evidence limits the applicability of our findings to clinical practice; indeed, this systematic review provides no new insights with regard to treatment decisions for people with (asymptomatic) PHPT. In addition, the methodological limitations of the included studies, and the characteristics of the study populations (mainly comprising white women with asymptomatic PHPT), warrant caution when extrapolating the results to other populations with PHPT. Large-scale multi-national, multi-ethnic and long-term RCTs are needed to explore the potential short- and long-term benefits of parathyroidectomy compared to non-surgical treatment options with regard to osteoporosis or osteopenia, urolithiasis, hospitalisation for acute kidney injury, cardiovascular disease and quality of life.

Long-term outcome of surgical techniques for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism in a tertiary referral center in Belgium

PURPOSE

Surgery remains the only permanent treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). To date, the number of long-term outcome studies of parathyroidectomy is limited. This study aims to compare different surgical approaches and evaluate the importance of preoperative localization imaging in the treatment of pHPT.

METHODS

All 200 consecutive patients with a parathyroidectomy for sporadic pHPT without planned concomitant surgery between 09/2009 and 04/2021 in a Belgian tertiary referral hospital were enrolled. All patients underwent at least two preoperative localization imaging studies (neck ultrasound, CT, SPECT, and/or Sestamibi scintigraphy) of the parathyroid glands. The main outcomes were the (long-term) cured proportion and postoperative morbidity (hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, return to theater for bleeding, and wound morbidity).

RESULTS

Most patients were referred with concordant positive imaging (82%, n = 164). Only nine patients (4.5%) had double negative imaging, not revealing a possible adenoma. The remaining 27 (13.5%) were referred with discordant imaging. Parathyroidectomy was performed via traditional cervicotomy (30%), mini-open approach (39.5%), or endoscopic approach (30.5%). Morbidity was low with no persistent hypocalcemia, one return to theater for bleeding, and no 30-day mortality. In the concordant imaging population, 13 patients (8%) had multiglandular disease. Overall, 97.5% was considered cured. Long-term recurrence was 12% with a minimal follow-up of 5 years.

CONCLUSION

This consecutive, single-surgeon, single-center cohort with extensive data collection and long-term follow-up confirms the safety and excellent cured proportions of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Disease recurrence becomes more important long after surgery.

Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma on Pectoralis Major After Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy Revealed by 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT

ABSTRACT

A 45-year-old woman, who had endoscopic parathyroidectomy 5 years ago for a right inferior parathyroid adenoma, underwent 99mTc-MIBI scan for the evaluation of recurrent parathyroidism. The images did not identify any abnormal uptake in the neck. Instead, an abnormal activity in the right upper chest wall was noted, which was located in a soft tissue nodule inseparable from the right pectoralis major muscle on SPECT/CT images. Pathology confirmed parathyroid tissue.

Robotic-assisted parathyroidectomy via transaxillary approach: feasibility and learning curves

Background

There have been few reports of robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy in the literature. We aim to report our experience with robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in the Western population.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed from July 2010 through July 2019 at two institutions, one in the United States and one in France. Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were collected for all patients undergoing robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy by a single surgeon at each institution. A linear regression model was developed to describe the learning curve for this procedure at each institution.

Results

One-hundred and two patients with PHPT were included with a median age of 55.6±12.4 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 25.5±6.1 kg/m². The majority of patients were female (80.4%). Median total operative time was 116±53 minutes. Minor complications were reported in 2 patients (1.96%), and one case was converted to a trans-cervical approach (TCA) for four-gland exploration. Median patient follow-up time was 6.5±12.2 months, and disease recurrence was reported in one patient. Calculated learning curves showed that one surgeon achieved proficiency by the eighth case, and the other achieved proficiency by the fourteenth case.

Conclusions

This is the largest reported experience of robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy for PHPT in the Asian and Western population. Analysis of the procedural learning curve demonstrates that proficiency in this technique was achieved after performance of less than 15 surgeries. This procedure is safe and feasible in the hands of experienced surgeons for select patients with localized disease.

Selection of parathyroidectomy methods for primary hyperparathyroidism according to concordance between ultrasonography and MIBI scan results

Background

Determination of appropriate operative methods for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is difficult when localisation results are discordant between imaging studies. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of focused parathyroidectomy (FP) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) according to the concordance in localisation results.

Method

One hundred and ninety-one patients who underwent a PHPT operation at Asan Medical Center between 2000 and 2010 were divided into two groups according to the concordance in findings between neck ultrasonography (USG) and sestamibi (MIBI) scan. Differences in clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes between the concordant (n=137) and discordant (n=54) groups were analysed.

Results

FP and BNE did not show significant differences in postoperative persistent hyperparathyroidism rates. Although intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring was not performed in this study, the cure rates of PHPT using only USG and MIBI scans were satisfactorily high, at 98.5% in the concordant group and 96.3% in the discordant group. The cure rates of FP and Unilateral exploration in single-negative USG and MIBI scans were 100%. Multiple lesions and hyperplasia were more common in the discordant group.

Conclusions

In cases where it is difficult to apply IOPTH, FP without IOPTH is feasible in patients showing concordant or single-negative detection on USG and MIBI scans, whereas BNE is recommended in cases of discordance or double-negative results on imaging studies, to prevent recurrence or persistent disease. Appropriate selection of parathyroidectomy methods according to the concordance in USG and MIBI scans might produce good results without any difference in recurrence.

Is total endoscopic parathyroidectomy an acceptable treatment for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to a presumed solitary adenoma?-comparison of minimally invasive total endoscopic parathyroidectomy and open minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Background

Remote-access thyroidectomy and its cosmetic merit have been widely accepted, but remote-access parathyroidectomy has not become common. There are few reports about the risks and effectiveness of a remote-access endoscopic parathyroidectomy. Herein, we evaluated the risks and benefits of total endoscopic parathyroidectomy (TEP) for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We retrospectively compared the surgical outcomes of TEP and open minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP).

Methods

We analyzed the cases of 28 patients with PHPT who were scheduled to undergo a MIP at Mita Hospital (Tokyo) during the period from April 2015 to March 2019, all of whom were presumed preoperatively to have a single adenoma.

Results

Eleven of the patients underwent a TEP (10 females, one male; mean age 54.2 years). The other 17 patients underwent an open MIP (11 females, 6 males; mean age 63.5 years). The younger patients and the females tended to select endoscopic surgery as their treatment. The operation time was significantly longer in the TEP group compared to the open MIP group (106 vs. 50 min; P<0.001). Common postoperative complications (such as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and seroma) did not occur in this series. For the TEP patients who did not undergo a partial thyroidectomy, the mean amount of drainage on the first postoperative day was only 19±10 mL. The operative cure rate of the minimally invasive parathyroidectomies was 96.4%.

Conclusions

TEP is a good surgical procedure for hyperparathyroidism caused by a single adenoma, and it achieves superior cosmetic results without increasing the rate of complications.

Lateral endoscopic parathyroidectomy in children

Endoscopic thyroid and parathyroid surgery was first described by Gagner in 1996, and Henry subsequently proposed a lateral endoscopic approach in 1999. Technical progress in the fields of optics, endoscopy, digital imaging and laparoscopy has gradually enhanced the feasibility and clinical utility of this technique for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions. To date, published paediatric cases have only concerned thyroid surgery. In the light of two clinical cases, this article describes our lateral endoscopic approach applied to paediatric parathyroid surgery.

Endoscopic parathyroidectomy: a retrospective review of 27 cases

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with adenomas being the most frequent cause. The condition is conventionally treated by a bilateral neck exploration through a cervical incision with removal of the affected glands. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring and pre-operative Tc99m MIBI scans are facilitating focused approaches like minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MiVAP) and totally endoscopic parathyroidectomy (TOEP).

METHODS

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were tested for location of diseased gland and accordingly selected for endoscopic parathyroidectomy by either trans-vestibular or trans-axillary approach. Those having undergone prior neck surgery or irradiation and those with an enlarged thyroid were excluded. All patients underwent IOPTH measurement to confirm the completeness of diseased gland resection.

RESULTS

Eleven cases meeting selection criteria underwent endoscopic trans-vestibular parathyroidectomy and 16 cases underwent endoscopic trans-axillary parathyroidectomy. The mean operative time and blood loss were 104 min and 34 mL in trans-vestibular approach, respectively, while they were 47 min and 68 mL for the trans-axillary approach. All patients had post-operative resolution of hypercalcaemia. A single conversion to cervical approach was performed due to unsatisfactory IOPTH fall. A single patient suffered transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy which resolved with steroids.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic parathyroidectomy is a safe and feasible surgical procedure when combined with pre-operative imaging and intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring. There is a steady rise in the number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, a majority of whom have solitary gland affliction. Focused exploration is the current standard, wherein endoscopic surgery can be an important tool to improve outcomes.

Surgical options in treating patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder for which surgical procedure called parathyroidectomy is the most effective treatment. Since the early 20^th century, parathyroid surgery has improved extensively. With the advances in preoperative imaging and with understanding the causes of disease, new and minimally invasive surgical approaches overrode the standard bilateral exploratory operations. Directed parathyroidectomy is currently the standard technique for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism worldwide.

Conclusions

Surgery is the only definitive treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The most appropriate type of surgical procedure depends on the number and localization of the hyperactive parathyroid glands, availability of modern imaging techniques, limitation of each type of procedure and expertise.

Main Surgical Principles and Methods in Surgical Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is surgery. The most important factors that increase the success rate of a parathyroidectomy are the establishment of the correct diagnosis and the surgeon's good knowledge of anatomy and embryology. The lower parathyroid glands develop from the dorsal portion of the third pharyngeal pouch, and the upper parathyroid glands from the fourth pharyngeal pouch. Humans typically have 4 parathyroid glands; however, more than 4 and fewer than 4 have been observed. Typically, the upper parathyroid glands are located in the cricothyroid junction area on the posterolateral portion of the middle and upper third of the thyroid, while the lower parathyroids are located in an area 1 cm in diameter located posterior, lateral, or anterolateral to the lower thyroid pole. Ectopic locations of parathyroid glands outside the normal anatomical regions due to the abnormal migration during embryological development or acquired ectopy due to migration of enlarged parathyroids are not uncommon. There are various surgical techniques to treat HPT; however, 2 main surgical options are used: bilateral neck exploration (BNE) and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). While there are open, endoscopic, and video-assisted MIP (MIVAP) approaches, most often an open lateral MIP technique is used. In addition, endoscopic or robotic parathyroidectomy methods performed from remote regions outside the neck have been reported. Although currently MIP is the standard treatment option in selected patients with positive imaging, BNE remains the gold standard procedure in parathyroid surgery. In 80% to 90% of patients with pHPT, a pathological parathyroid gland can be detected with preoperative imaging methods and MIP can be applied. However, the pathological gland may not be found during a MIP procedure as a result of false positive results. The parathyroid surgeon must also know the BNE technique and be able to switch to BNE and change the surgical strategy if necessary. If the intended gland is not found in its normal anatomical site, possible embryological and acquired ectopic locations should be investigated. It should be kept in mind that MIP and BNE are not alternatives to each other, but rather complementary techniques for successful treatment in parathyroid surgery.

Practice Patterns in Parathyroid Surgery: A Survey of Asia-Pacific Parathyroid Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Practice variations exist amongst parathyroid surgeons depending on their expertise and resources. Our study aims to elucidate the choice of surgical techniques and adjuncts used in parathyroid surgery by surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS

A 25-question online survey was sent to members of five endocrine surgery associations. Questions covered training background, practice environment and preferred techniques in parathyroid surgery. Respondents were divided into three regions: Australia/New Zealand, South/South East Asia and East Asia, and responses were analysed according to region, specialty, case volume and years in practice.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-six surgeons returned the questionnaire. Most surgeons (98%) routinely perform preoperative imaging, with 75% preferring dual imaging with ^99mTcsestamibi and ultrasound. Ten per cent of surgeons use parathyroid 4DCT as first-line imaging, more commonly in East Asia (p = 0.038). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is the favoured technique of choice (97%). Most surgeons reporting robotic or endoscopic approaches are from East Asia. Rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone is accessible to just under half of the surgeons but less available in Australian/New Zealand (p < 0.001). The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring is not commonly used, even less so amongst Asian surgeons (p = 0.048) and surgeons with low case load (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Dual localisation techniques are the preferred choice of investigations in preparation for parathyroid surgery, with minimally invasive surgery without neuromonitoring the preferred approach. Use of adjuncts is sporadic and limited to certain centres.

Routine bilateral neck exploration and four-gland dissection remains unnecessary in modern parathyroid surgery

Objective

Recent advances in preoperative imaging techniques and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) assays have made single-gland, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) the preferred treatment option for most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Despite this evolution, a recommendation for bilateral neck exploration (BNE) with four-gland dissection in all patients has recently been advocated by a parathyroid surgical group. The current study compares the long-term outcomes of MIP with those of conventional BNE with four-gland dissection in patients with pHPT.

Methods

In order to objectively assess a recommendation in the literature that universal BNE with four-gland dissection is advisable, all patients undergoing an initial MIP with ioPTH assessment for pHPT in a tertiary endocrine practice during a 10-year period were reviewed. The cure rates from this procedure were compared with published results of conventional BNE with four-gland dissection.

Results

Of the 561 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy during the study period, 337 had initial surgery for pHPT; 282 of these patients met inclusion criteria and 212 had sufficient follow-up data available. A single adenoma was identified in 87.3% of cases. Preoperative imaging studies were co-localizing in 148 (69.8%), and 127 (85.8%) of these patients with co-localizing imaging required only single-gland surgery. Imaging studies did not co-localize in 49 patients, yet 32 (65.3%) of these patients were still cured with unilateral surgery. The cure rate for patients undergoing MIP was 98.6%, with a long-term recurrence rate of <2%.

Conclusion

When coupled with the ioPTH assay, patients with at least one preoperative localizing study can undergo MIP and anticipate a cure rate of 99%, which is as good as or better than the published rates for conventional BNE with four-gland dissection. With unilateral surgery, the risks of permanent hypoparathyroidism and airway obstruction from bilateral vocal fold paralysis are completely eliminated. Therefore, despite recommendations to the contrary, most patients with pHPT should not have a planned four-gland exploration.

Level of Evidence

III or IV.

Parathyroidectomy for adults with primary hyperparathyroidism

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the effects of parathyroidectomy for adults with PHPT. We will also compare the effects of different types of parathyroidectomy on people with PHPT.

Endoscopic-Assisted Palatal Surgery Via Transoral and Intranasal Approach

Palate carcinoma often challenges to the treatment options. It depends on the histologic type, local invasion, and nodal or distant metastasis. Hard palate tumors that invade the nasal cavity can be operated by midfacial degloving approach, lateral rhinotomy approach, and lip splitting incision with infrastructure maxillectomy. These approaches inevitably coincide with facial scars, nerve injuries, facial swelling, and long hospital stay. Transoral robotic assisted surgery can be applied; however, this needs high price and has a weakness of accurate handling about intranasal lesion. The authors have performed transoral and intranasal endoscopic-assisted palatal removal of recurrent palatal carcinoma for a patient and herein report their technique and result.

Robotic transaxillary parathyroidectomy

We recently reported on the safety and feasibility of robotic transaxillary approaches for parathyroid surgeries with benefit of avoiding a visible cervical scar. Herein, we demonstrate our technique with utilization of intraoperative nerve monitoring and indocyanine green (ICG) imaging. The patient was discharged a few hours after the surgery.

[The minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism]

AIM

To study feasibility, effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism; to define the advantages and disadvantages of this technique compared with conventional open surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study includes the results of 33 minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomies performed in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The control group included 36 patients who underwent conventional open surgery.

RESULTS

There were significantly increased time of surgery in the main group (41.2±12.7 min vs. 28.4±10.9 min, p<0.05), decreased need for postoperative analgesia (1,2±0.3 vs. 1.9±0.5 days, p<0.05) and significantly longer postoperative scar (1.8±0.2 vs. 6.2±0.5 cm, p<0.01). Incidence of complications was similar in both groups (6.1% vs. 8.3%, p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism is feasible, safe and effective intervention that improves early postoperative course and cosmetic outcomes.

[Pectoral-retroauricular approach for endoscopic parathyroidectomy (experimental study)]

AIM

To develop and investigate in the experiment the method of endoscopic parathyroidectomy in order to prevent intraoperative 'conflict of the instruments' and to reduce surgical trauma via extracervical approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of 10 experimental endoscopic parathyroidectomies with original pectoral-retroauricular approach were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean time of surgery was 77.8±10.2 minutes (65-97), mean time of surgical exposure - 50.3±6.7 minutes (41-59). Visualization and identification of parathyroid glands were achieved in 100% of cases. Recurrent laryngeal nerve was preserved in 100% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Original endoscopic pectoral-retroauricular approach for parathyroidectomy is methodologically and technically justified and can be recommended for clinical application.

Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach: a novel scarless parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery developed for neck surgery become increasing popular. Herein, an innovative transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA) was developed for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT).

METHODS

Incisions were made at the oral vestibule under the inferior lip. A 10-mm trocar was inserted through the center of the oral vestibule with two 5-mm trocars laterally. The subplatysmal space was created down to the sternal notch, and carbon dioxide pressure was insufflated at 6 mmHg to maintain the working space. Parathyroidectomy was performed using laparoscopic instruments. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level and frozen section were conducted. Autotransplantation of the parathyroid gland was performed at the non-dominant forearm in an rHPT patient.

RESULTS

From March 2015 to June 2016, TOEPVA was successfully performed in 12 patients (six PHPT and six rHPT). The mean operative time for parathyroidectomy in PHPT patients was 107.5 min (range 88-127) and 185.8 min in rHPT patients (range 155-214). One patient experienced a transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury which was spontaneously resolved within 1 month. No permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was found. Serum calcium level returned to normal range in all patients. The serum parathyroid hormone level of the PHPT and the rHPT group at 30 days was 36.38 ± 7.1 pg/mL (range 27.7-46.5) and 60.35 ± 15.94 pg/mL (range 38.7-87.2), respectively. The postoperative cosmetic outcome was excellent. No mental nerve injury or infection was found.

CONCLUSIONS

TOEPVA is a feasible, safe, and reasonable surgical option for patients with hyperparathyroidism, especially those with cosmetic concerns.