THE TECHNIQUE OF ENDOSCOPIC EXPLORATION FOR PARATHYROID ADENOMA OF THE NECK

Background: The technical details of endoscopic exploration of parathy roid adenoma are described here, thereby drawing attention to the enor mous potential of this new modality of minimal-access surgery. Methods : Four patients with a parathyroid adenoma that was clearly demonstrat ed by pre-operative localization imaging techniques were subject to en doscopic exploration using one 11 mm and two 5 mm ports: a technique h eretofore 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 hypercalcae mia 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; fur ther study would be fruitful.