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: Tc-99m 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. Conclusions: The use of intraoperative ultrasound facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and may obviate the need for intraoperative Tc-99m sestamibi scanning.