Search

The use of robotic operating systems is an advancement of intelligent precision, minimally invasive surgery. It has been used in the field of thyroid surgery with satisfactory results. Robotic surgery system assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgical expert consensus(2016) as played an important role in the standardization and clinical popularization of robotic surgical system-assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgery. With the deepening of clinical practice, updates in minimally invasive concept, the replacement of robotic platforms and the continuous improvement of technology, robotic thyroid and parathyroid surgery has been further developed. Notably, it has made substantial progress in expanding indications and the training of robotic surgeons and teams. Based on the 2016 Chinese expert consensus, combined with recent related articles and clinical studies, the Clinical Practice Guideline for Robotic Surgical System-Assisted Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery (2024 edition) was formed. The surgical team training, indications, preoperative evaluation, patient position and space establishment, thyroidectomy procedures, neck lymph node dissection skills were summarized and recommended. Furthermore, reasonable suggestions on reoperation, parathyroid surgery and management of postoperative complications were also put forward, aiming to better guide clinical practice.

Introduction: The curative treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PPH) is surgical and today it can be performed by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and also be radioguided (RG) if a radiopharmaceutical with affinity for the parathyroid tissue that can be detected with gamma-detector probes or with a portable gamma camera (PGC) is injected., Aim: The objective is to assess whether intraoperative scintigraphy (GGio) with PGC can replace intraoperative pathological anatomy (APio) to determine if the removed specimen is an abnormal parathyroid., Material and Method: 92 patients underwent CMI RG--HPP with PGC after the administration of a dose of 99 mTc-MIBI. The information provided by the PGC in the analysis of the excised specimens is qualitatively compared (capture yes/no) with the result of the intraoperative pathological anatomy (APio). The Gold standard is the definitive histology., Results: 120 excised pieces are evaluated with GGio and APio. There were 110 agreements (95TP and 15TN) and 10 disagreements (3FP and 7FN). Of the 120 lesions, 102 were parathyroid and 18 were non-parathyroid. There was good agreement between intraoperative scintigraphy imaging (GGio) and PA, 70.1% according to Cohen's Kappa index. The GGio presented the following values ​​of Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value, Positive Likelihood Ratio, Negative Likelihood Ratio and Overall Value of the Test (93.1%, 83.3%, 96.9%, 68.2%, 5.59, 0.08 and 0.92 respectively)., Conclusion: GGio is a rapid and effective surgical aid technique to confirm/rule out the possible parathyroid nature of the lesions removed in PPH surgery, but it cannot replace histological study., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: The preservation of parathyroid glands is crucial in endoscopic thyroid surgery to prevent hypocalcemia and related complications. However, current methods for identifying and protecting these glands have limitations. We propose a novel technique that has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of endoscopic thyroid surgery., Purpose: Our study aims to develop a deep learning model called PTAIR 2.0 (Parathyroid gland Artificial Intelligence Recognition) to enhance parathyroid gland recognition during endoscopic thyroidectomy. We compare its performance against traditional surgeon-based identification methods., Materials and Methods: Parathyroid tissues were annotated in 32 428 images extracted from 838 endoscopic thyroidectomy videos, forming the internal training cohort. An external validation cohort comprised 54 full-length videos. Six candidate algorithms were evaluated to select the optimal one. We assessed the model's performance in terms of initial recognition time, identification duration, and recognition rate and compared it with the performance of surgeons., Results: Utilizing the YOLOX algorithm, we developed PTAIR 2.0, which demonstrated superior performance with an AP50 score of 92.1%. The YOLOX algorithm achieved a frame rate of 25.14 Hz, meeting real-time requirements. In the internal training cohort, PTAIR 2.0 achieved AP50 values of 94.1%, 98.9%, and 92.1% for parathyroid gland early prediction, identification, and ischemia alert, respectively. Additionally, in the external validation cohort, PTAIR outperformed both junior and senior surgeons in identifying and tracking parathyroid glands (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The AI-driven PTAIR 2.0 model significantly outperforms both senior and junior surgeons in parathyroid gland identification and ischemia alert during endoscopic thyroid surgery, offering potential for enhanced surgical precision and patient outcomes., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum pose a challenge to diagnosis and require optimal surgical management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach, offering potential benefits in terms of both patient comfort and oncological principles. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VATS for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum. Methods: Among the 538 patients with mediastinal tumors who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at Istanbul University (2008-2021), 11 exhibited hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands. The localization of the glands was performed using various diagnostic techniques, including neck ultrasound, sestamibi scan, CT (computerized tomography), and SPECT (Single-photon emission computed tomography). VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) was used to remove ectopic parathyroid glands in all 11 patients, with no need for conversion to open surgery. Results: The pathological results showed that VATS successfully removed the ectopic glands in all 11 patients. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were monitored intraoperatively, and frozen sections were used to confirm the presence of parathyroid adenomas in all cases. Postoperative analysis showed that PTH levels dropped by at least 50% within 10-15 minutes after adenoma removal. Conclusion: VATS is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum with a low risk of complications.

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of airless endoscopic surgery in the treatment of parathyroid diseases. Methods: By retrospective comparison, clinical treatment of 26 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to January 2023 were collected. They were divided into traditional group（13 cases） and endoscopic group（13 cases） according to the surgical method. The traditional group underwent traditional open parathyroid surgery, and the endoscopic group underwent airless endoscopic surgery through the subclavian approach. The efficacy, postoperative incision pain, incidence of adverse events, and aesthetic effects of the two groups were evaluated. Results: A total of 26 patients were included, including 13 patients in the traditional group and 13 patients in the endoscopic group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypocalcemia and transient hypoparathyroidism on the first day after surgery between the two groups（ P >0.05）. No patients with incision pain（>3 points） or swallowing pain were found in both groups after the operation, and they were afraid or unwilling to cough and expel phlegm. There were no significant differences in the amount of blood loss, duration of operation, incidence of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and transient hypocalcemia, and postoperative pain score between the two groups. The endoscopic group's scar evaluation score and aesthetic effect satisfaction score at 6 months after surgery were higher than those of the traditional group（ P <0.01）. Conclusion: Airless Endoscopic parathyroid surgery via the subclavian approach has good effectiveness and safety, which did not significantly increase the risk of surgery. It can safely remove the lesion and leave no surgical scar on the anterior neck, which has the advantage of a good cosmetic effect. It is a safe and feasible endoscopic parathyroid surgery and can be used as a new choice for patients undergoing parathyroid surgery., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disease. With parathyroidectomy, a cure rate of over 95% at initial surgery is reported. Localization of the abnormal parathyroid gland is critical for the operation to be successful. The aim of this study is to analyze data of patients with single gland disease (SGD) and positive concordant localization imaging undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) to evaluate if IOPTH is still justified in patients with localized SGD., Methods: A retrospective database analysis of all minimally invasive operations with IOPTH for PHPT and positive concordant localization in ultrasound (US) and 99m Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy (MIBI) between 2016-2021. When both US and MIBI were negative, patients underwent either choline or methionine PET-CT. The patients were also analyzed a second time without applying IOPTH., Results: In total, 198 patients were included in the study. The sensitivity of US, MIBI and PET-CT was 96%, 94% and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive value was 88%, 89% and 94% with US, MIBI and PET-CT, respectively. IOPTH was true positive in 185 (93.4%) patients. In 13 (6.6%) patients, no adequate IOPTH decline was observed after localizing and extirpating the assumed enlarged parathyroid gland. Without IOPTH, the cure rate decreased from 195 (98.5%) to 182 (92%) patients and the rate of persisting disease increased from 2 (1.0%) to 15 (7.5%) patients., Conclusion: Discontinuing IOPTH significantly increases the persistence rate by a factor of 7.5 in patients with concordantly localized adenoma. Therefore, IOPTH appears to remain necessary even for this group of patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hargitai, Boryshchuk, Arikan, Binter, Scheuba and Riss.)

Background: Hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication for patients who undergo total thyroidectomy (TT) with bilateral central lymph node dissection (BCLND). The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between parathyroid autotransplantation (PA) and postoperative hypoparathyroidism., Materials and Methods: Four hundred and sixty-five patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent TT with BCLND (including prophylactic and therapeutic BCLND) by the same surgeon were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were divided into five groups based on the number of PAs. Group 0 was defined as no PA, while Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were considered as 1, 2, 3, and 4 PAs during TT with BCLND, respectively., Results: Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 83 (17.8%) and 2 (0.4%) patients who underwent TT and BCLND, respectively. The incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism increased gradually with an increase in the number of PAs. Compared with the previous group, Groups 2 and 3 had significantly more cases of transient hypoparathyroidism (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). All cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in the patients without PA. Compared with Group 0, there were more removed central lymph nodes (RCLNs) in patients with one PA. Furthermore, Group 2 had more metastatic central lymph nodes(MCLNs) and RCLNs than Group 1.The number of PAs was the only identified risk factor for transient hypoparathyroidism after the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median parathyroid hormone level recovered to the normal range within 1 month after surgery., Conclusion: With an increasing number of PAs, the possibility of transient hypoparathyroidism also increases in patients with PTC who undergo TT and BCLND. Considering the rapid recovery of transient hypoparathyroidism in 1 month, two PAs during TT and BCLND could be a good choice, leading to an increase in the central lymph node yield and no permanent hypoparathyroidism. However, this conclusion should be validated in future multicenter prospective studies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Xue, Zhu and Xue.)

Introduction: Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism often occurs after total thyroidectomy (TT). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) of parathyroid glands (PGs) can aid experienced surgeons in identifying more PGs during surgery, potentially reducing unintended resection, and assessing its impact on post-surgical hypoparathyroidism., Materials and Methods: All patients undergoing at least a TT by two experienced surgeons, between 2020 and 2021, were enrolled and randomized into two cohorts: NIRAF group (NG) and CONTROL group (CG). Transient hypoparathyroidism was defined by serum concentration of PTH<12 ng/mL at the 1st post-operative day and permanent by the need of calcium-active vitamin D treatment >6 months from the surgery with still undetectable PTH or <12 ng/m., Results: Among 236 patients (111 in NG, 125 in CG), the number of PGs identified was higher in NG (93.9%, 417/444) compared to CG (81.4%, 407/500) (p < 0.001), with a mean of 3.76 ± 0.44 PGs per patient in NG and 3.25 ± 0.79 in CG. The number of unintendedly resected PGs was 14 in NG and 42 in CG (p < 0.0001). Transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 18 patients (16.2%) in NG and 40 patients (32.0%) in CG (p = 0.004). Permanent hypoparathyroidism affected 1 patient in NG and 7 patients in CG (p = 0.06). The mean operative time was longer in NG (104.3 ± 32.08 min) compared to CG (85.5 ± 40.62 min) (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: NIRAF enhances the identification of PGs, preventing their inadvertent resection and reducing the overall incidence of post-surgical hypoparathyroidism., (© 2024 International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC).)

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting occur frequently following thyroid and parathyroid surgery and are associated with worse patient outcomes. We hypothesised that opioid-free propofol anaesthesia would reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with opioid-inclusive propofol anaesthesia in patients undergoing these procedures., Methods: We conducted a randomised, double-blinded controlled trial in adult patients scheduled to undergo thyroid and parathyroid surgery at two medical centres in mainland China. Patients were allocated randomly (1:1, stratified by sex and trial site) to an opioid-free anaesthesia group (esketamine, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and propofol) or an opioid-inclusive group (sufentanil and propofol). Propofol infusions were titrated to bispectral index 45-55. Patients received prophylaxis for nausea and vomiting using dexamethasone and ondansetron and multimodal analgesia with paracetamol and flurbiprofen axetil. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 48 h after surgery., Results: We assessed 557 patients for eligibility and 394 completed this trial. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first postoperative 48 h was lower in the opioid-free anaesthesia group (10/197, 5%) compared with opioid-inclusive group (47/197, 24%) (OR (95%CI) 0.17 (0.08-0.35), p < 0.001), yielding a number needed to treat of 5.3. Additionally, opioid-free propofol anaesthesia was associated with a reduced need for rescue anti-emetics, lower rates of hypotension and desaturation after tracheal extubation, and higher patient satisfaction. Time to tracheal extubation was prolonged slightly in the opioid-free group. The two groups had similar postoperative pain scores and 30-day outcomes., Discussion: Opioid-free propofol anaesthesia reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. An opioid-free anaesthetic regimen can optimise anaesthetic care during thyroid and parathyroid surgery., (© 2024 Association of Anaesthetists.)

The conventional Kocher collar incision is the standard access to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Although the incision length has been significantly shortened in recent years with this approach, there is increasing interest among patients in a surgical technique without visible scars in the décolleté. Transoral endoscopic thyroid gland surgery via the vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a modern technique that can be learned relatively quickly and leaves no visible scars because it is carried out exclusively through a natural orifice (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, NOTES). For retrieval of larger specimens, the transoral approach can be combined with a retroauricular access and thus covers a larger range of indications. The indications must be strictly followed, analogous to conventional surgery. Once the transoral access has been established, the operation is carried out as in open surgery but strictly from cranial to caudal. The classical complications are comparable to the results of conventional surgery. Specific complications include perioral, mandibular or cervical dysesthesia and hypesthesia., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Operation with a 3D exoscope has recently been introduced in clinical practice. The exoscope consists of two cameras placed in front of the operative field. Images are shown on a large 3D screen with high resolution. The system can be used to enhance precise dissection and provides new possibilities for improved ergonomics, fluorescence, and other optical-guided modalities., Methods: Initial experience with the ultra-high-definition (4K) 3D exoscope in thyroid and parathyroid operations. The exoscope (OrbEye TM ) was mounted on a holding system (Olympus)., Results: We used the exoscope in parathyroidectomy (N = 6) and thyroidectomy (N = 6). Immediate advantages and disadvantages were discussed and recorded. The learning curve for use of the exoscope may be shorter for surgeons with training in endoscopic or robotic procedures. There may be improved ergonomics compared with normal open-neck operations. Further, the optical guided operations can be used with fluorescence and have potential for different on-lay techniques in the future. The 4 K 3D image quality is state-of-art and is highly appreciated during fine surgical dissection and eliminates the need for loupes., Conclusion: In several ways, using the ORBEYE™ in thyroid and parathyroid surgery provides the surgical team with a new and enhanced experience. This includes improved possibility for teaching, surgical ergonomics, and a 4K 3D camera with a powerful magnification system. However, it is not clear if utilization of these features would improve surgical outcomes. Furthermore, the ORBEYE™ lacks incorporation of parathyroid autofluorescence, and the current costs for the system do not facilitate general access to exoscope assisted operations., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: The added benefit of using near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) during total thyroidectomy (TT) remains controversial. This study investigated whether or not NIRAF results in improved patient outcomes postoperatively., Materials and Methods: We analyzed 1711 TT patients, reported in nine randomized controlled trials, following a systematic search of five databases. NIRAF was compared to the standard of care (naked eye with/without white light). Outcomes included parathyroid gland (PG) and calcium parameters and other clinical outcomes. For dichotomous outcomes, the log odds ratio (logOR) was calculated, and for continuous outcomes, the crude mean difference (MD) was measured. Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was significant. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality., Results: Compared to the standard of care, the use of NIRAF was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative hypoparathyroidism [logOR=-0.31; 95% CI: -0.57: -0.05], inadvertent PG removal [logOR=-0.93; 95% CI: -1.60: -0.26], and postoperative hypocalcemia [logOR=-0.43 mmol/l; 95% CI: -0.77: -0.09]. It was also associated with significantly higher postoperative PTH levels [MD=4.78 pg/ml; 95% CI: 2.13: 7.43], PG identification rate [logOR=1.02; 95% CI: 0.31: 1.72], postoperative serum calcium [MD=0.05; 95% CI: 0.00: 0.09], and operative time [MD=9.38 min; 95% CI: 6.68: 12.09]. No difference was seen regarding PG autotransplantation, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization due to hypocalcemia. Seven trials had low risk and the remainder had some concerns., Conclusion: NIRAF is superior to the naked eye in identifying all four PGs during TT. The reduced risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia reflected this preservation value. However, it was not associated with a change in the length of hospital stay. Although rare, the readmission rate due to hypocalcemia was similar across both methods., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Preserving the integrity of parathyroid glands is crucial in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) surgery to avoid hypoparathyroidism. In recent years, two novel dyes, activated carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and indocyanine green (ICG), have been utilized to assist in parathyroid gland identification. However, the use of CNP or ICG alone can result in extravasation of dye or excessive fluorescence of non-parathyroid tissue, which can affect the accuracy of surgical outcomes by yielding false negative or false positive results. Therefore, it is important to further optimize the application of these two dyes in surgery. We analyzed case files of 124 PTC patients who underwent routine total or near-total thyroidectomy with bilateral lymph node dissection in the central region at the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University from January to November 2022. The patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the type of intraoperative dye used. The CNP group (n = 38) received an intra-thyroidal injection of CNP dye. The ICG group (n = 42) used the ICG near-infrared fluorescence endoscopy system to show parathyroid fluorescence. The group that received a combined approach of ICG and CNP (n = 44) leveraged the advantages of both methods that allow for positive development of ICG and negative development of CNP to identify and preserve the parathyroid gland during operation. The parathyroid hormone detection reagent (PTH test method) was employed to verify the highly suspected parathyroid tissue in all three groups. We analyzed intraoperative data pertaining to intraoperative parathyroid identification, misexcision, number of autotransplantation, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism among the three groups. Compared with the ICG group and the CNP group, the combined group demonstrated more prominent advantages in identifying average the number of lower parathyroid glands (1.93 ± 0.26, p = 0.015), reducing the average numberrate of misexcision (0.45 ± 0.5, p = 0.004), and reducing the incidence of postoperative temporary hypothyroidism (3/44, p = 0.015). The combined use of ICG and CNP dual-dye with PTH test method appears to be more effective in both identifying and protecting parathyroid glands during PTC surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The most important factors affecting the development of postoperative hypocalcaemia (PH) include intraoperative trauma to the parathyroid glands, incidental parathyroidectomy (IP), and the surgeon's experience. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of IP, evaluate its effect on postoperative calcium levels and investigate the effect of surgeon experience and volume on IP incidence and postoperative calcium levels., Methods: This retrospective study included 645 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the Department of General Surgery, Kütahya Health Sciences University between September 2016 and March 2020. All patients underwent surgery at a single clinic by general surgeons experienced in thyroid surgery and their residents (3-5 years)., Results: Normal parathyroid glands were reported in 58 (8.9%) of 645 patients. In 5 (8.6%) of 58 patients the parathyroid gland was detected in the intrathyroidal region. PH developed in ten patients (17.2%) with incidental removal of the parathyroid glands. A statistically significant difference was found between the number of incidentally removed parathyroid glands and the development of hypocalcaemia ( p <0.05). Normal parathyroid glands were reported in the pathology of 37 (7.9%) patients operated on by general surgeons and 22 (12.6%) patients operated on by their residents. PH developed in 39 (8.2%) patients operated on by general surgeons and in 8 (4.5%) patients operated on by their residents., Conclusions: We found that the complication rate during the resident training process was the same as that of experienced general surgeons. A thyroidectomy can be safely performed by senior residents during residential training.

Objective: Parathyroidectomy treats uncontrolled renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT), requiring identification of all glands. Three types of enhancement are proposed. Type A lesions have higher arterial phase attenuation than the thyroid, type B lesions lack higher arterial phase attenuation but have lower venous phase attenuation, and type C lesions have neither higher arterial phase attenuation nor lower venous phase attenuation than the thyroid. We aimed to outline the image features of problematic parathyroid glands in RHPT and propose a 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) interpretation algorithm., Methods: This retrospective study involved data collection from patients with RHPT who underwent preoperative 4DCT for parathyroidectomy between January and November 2022. Pathologically confirmed parathyroid lesions were retrospectively identified on 4DCT according to the location and size described in the surgical notes. The attenuation of parathyroid lesions and the thyroid glands was assessed in 3 phases, and demographic data of the patients were collected., Results: Ninety-seven pathology-proven parathyroid glands from 27 patients were obtained, with 86 retrospectively detected on 4DCT. In the arterial phase, the attenuation of parathyroid lesions in RHPT did not exceed that of the thyroid gland (P < .001). In the venous phase, parathyroid lesions demonstrated lower attenuation than the thyroid gland (P < .001). A total of 81 parathyroid lesions (94.2%) exhibited type B patterns., Conclusion: Unlike primary hyperparathyroidism, lesions in RHPT exhibited more type B enhancement, making them less readily identifiable in the arterial phase. Therefore, we propose a distinct imaging interpretation strategy to locate these problematic glands more efficiently., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To investigate the value of preoperative ultrasound combined with 99mTc-MIBI imaging for the diagnosis of ectopic intrathyroid parathyroid gland (ETPG) in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). One hundred and eleven patients with SHPT who underwent total parathyroidectomy plus forearm transplantation from January 2015 to January 2022 in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University were selected. All patients underwent routine preoperative ultrasonography and 99mTc-MIBI imaging, and with pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the clinical data of ETPG patients were selected, including clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, preoperative ultrasonography and 99mTc-MIBI imaging for localization and diagnosis, intraoperative exploration and postoperative pathology, and postoperative follow-up. To analyze the ultrasound manifestations of preoperative parathyroid hyperplasia and the results of 99mTc-MIBI imaging in patients with ETPG. Among 111 patients with SHPT, there were 5 patients with ETPG, 1 male and 4 females with a mean age of (45.00 ± 5.05) years, and 6 ectopic parathyroid glands were located in the thyroid gland. The incidence of ETPG was 4.5% (5/111), 4 were detected by ultrasound, 2 were not detected with a diagnostic accuracy of 66.7% (4/6), 3 were positive for 99mTc-MIBI imaging, 3 were negative with a diagnostic accuracy of 50.0% (3/6). Among them, one was not detected by ultrasound, but was positive for 99mTc-MIBI imaging, 2 with negative 99mTc-MIBI imaging, but all were detected by ultrasound, and one with negative 99mTc-MIBI imaging was detected by ultrasound but misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule. A total of 5 ETPGs were detected by ultrasound combined with 99mTc-MIBI imaging, with a diagnostic accuracy of 83.3% (5/6). Patients' postoperative serum calcium and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were normalized or significantly decreased from preoperative levels. Ultrasound combined with 99mTc-MIBI imaging can achieve higher accuracy than either examination alone in the preoperative localization and diagnosis of ETPG in SHPT patients., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: The ectopic superior parathyroid in the tracheoesophageal groove and paraesophageal region is rare. Hyperparathyroidism results when these glands become hyperfunctioning. That may necessitate surgical intervention in the form of parathyroidectomy, which requires a transsternal or transthoracic approach due to a deeply seated mediastinal parathyroid gland. Minimally invasive strategies have emerged recently as an alternative approach with less morbidity., Case Presentation: We present a case of the paraesophageal ectopic parathyroid gland in the superior posterior mediastinum, which was successfully treated with thoracoscopic resection., Conclusion: The current imaging tools improve the thoracoscopic management of mediastinal parathyroid glands. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can provide access and exposure to ectopic parathyroid adenoma with low morbidity and financial burden., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism caused by parathyroid injury is a problem faced by thyroid surgeons. The current technologies for parathyroid imaging all have some defects., Methods: Patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who underwent unilateral thyroidectomy plus ipsilateral central lymph node dissection were recruited. We dissected the main trunk of the superior thyroid artery entering the thyroid gland and placed the venous indwelling tube into the artery. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated., Results: A total of 132 patients enrolled in this single-arm clinical trial, 105 of them completed retrograde catheterization via the superior artery. The sensitivity was 69.23 and 83.33% respectively. The specificity was 72.91 and 64.89%. The accuracy was 72.91 and 64.89%. The PPV was 85.71 and 81.08%. The NPV was 22.58 and 45.45%. There were no patients with allergic reactions to the methylene blue, or methylene blue toxicity., Conclusions: Retrograde injection of methylene blue via the superior thyroid artery is an effective and safe method to visualize parathyroid glands. This method can accurately locate the target organ by ultraselecting the blood vessel and injecting the contrast agent while avoiding background contamination and reducing the amount of contrast agent., Trial Registration: Clinical trial registration numbers and date of registration: ChiCTR2300077263、02/11/2023., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a disease caused by hypersecretion of one or more parathyroid glands, it can be associated with ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands (MEPA) in 2% of cases. The use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the surgical resection of these glands is a safe, cost-effective, and low morbidity option for patients with MEPA. We report a case series of patients with this disease managed with VATS, the first in Mexico and Latinamerica., Methods: From 2008 to 2022, a retrospective study involving patients with MEPA and treated by VATS approach was performed in a tertiary hospital in Mexico city. Relevant biochemical and clinical variables such as imaging studies, pre and postoperative laboratory results, surgical strategy, outcomes and pathological analysis were analyzed., Results: Four cases of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas causing HPT were included. All patients were female with a median age of 52.5 years-old (range 46-59 years), half of the patients had primary HPT and the others tertiary HPT after kidney transplant. 75% of cases had a MEPA in the medium mediastinum, all had a preoperative positive SPECT-CT 99mTc Sestamibi scan. Mean preoperative PTH was 621.3pg/mL (182-1382pg/mL). All patients successfully underwent parathyroidectomy with a VATS approach, no deaths were reported., Conclusions: VATS is a minimally invasive surgery that provides adequate access to mediastinal located glands, optimal visualization of mediastinal structures and has a high resection success rate with less complications and morbidity than open approaches., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Recent studies suggest that low-volume surgeons with no experience in parathyroid surgery are at increased risk of causing parathyroid gland damage during thyroid surgery. The aim of this RCT was to evaluate the impact of using autofluorescence in hemithyroidectomy on parathyroid gland identification and preservation in a low-volume institution with no experience in parathyroid surgery., Methods: Patients referred for hemithyroidectomy were randomized 1 : 1 to either autofluorescence-guided hemithyroidectomy (the near-infrared autofluorescence group) or conventional hemithyroidectomy (the control group). The primary outcome was parathyroid gland identification rate. Secondary outcomes were the rate of parathyroid gland autotransplantation and the rate of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision., Results: A total of 170 patients were randomized to either autofluorescence-guided hemithyroidectomy (84 patients) or conventional hemithyroidectomy (86 patients). In the near-infrared autofluorescence group, 81.0% of parathyroid glands were identified, compared with 57.0% in the control group (P < 0.001). Autofluorescence enabled parathyroid gland visualization before the naked eye in 46.3% of cases. Surgeons had lower confidence in the parathyroid gland identification process in the control group than in the near-infrared autofluorescence group (59.1% versus 87.5% respectively; P < 0.001). In the near-infrared autofluorescence group, the parathyroid gland autotransplantation rate was initially high, but declined over time. There was no difference in the rate of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision., Conclusion: Autofluorescence guidance significantly improved the parathyroid gland identification rate in hemithyroidectomy in a low-volume institution with no experience in parathyroid surgery and provided an increase in surgical confidence. The pattern of parathyroid gland autotransplantation in autofluorescence-guided surgery indicates the presence of a learning curve., Registration Number: NCT05044351 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of 99m Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT and 18 F-choline PET/CT in detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent PHPT-related surgery between April 2019 and May 2022. The study focused on patients undergoing either 99m Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT (81 patients) or 18 F-choline PET/CT (33 patients) scans before surgery to pinpoint hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s). In the majority of patients, 18 F-choline PET/CT was performed after negative or inconclusive findings on 99m Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT. Pathohistological reports were utilized as the reference standard for evaluating the accuracy of the imaging findings., Results: The study encompassed 83 patients (70 females, 84.3%) with an average age of 57.2 years (24-80 years). The pathohistological analysis identified a total of 98 glands. In a per-lesion analysis, the detection rate of 99m Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT was 57% (95% CI 45.3-68.1), while the detection rate of 18 F-choline PET/CT was 90.3% (95% CI 74.3-98.0)., Conclusion: The results of our study showed the significant usefulness of 18 F-choline PET/CT in patients with negative or inconclusive results of 99m Tc-sestamibi SPECT/CT in accurately locating hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in PHPT patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Traditional parathyroid registries are labor-intensive and do not always capture long-term follow-up data. This study aimed to develop a patient-driven international parathyroid registry and leverage community connections to improve patient-centered care for hyperparathyroidism., Methods: An anonymous voluntary online survey was developed using Qualtrics and posted in an international patient and advocate-run social media group affiliated with over 11,700 members. The survey was developed from a literature review, expert opinion, and discussion with the social media group managers. It consists of seven sections: patient demographics, past medical history, preoperative symptoms, laboratory evaluation, preoperative imaging studies, operative findings, and operative outcomes., Results: From July 30, 2022, to October 1, 2022, 89 complete responses were received. Participants were from 12 countries, mostly (82.0%) from the United States across 31 states. Most participants were female (91.4%), White (96.7%) with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 58 ± 12 y. The most common preoperative symptoms were bone or joint pain (84.3%) and neuropsychiatric symptoms: including fatigue (82.0%), brain fog (79.8%), memory loss (79.8%), and difficulty with concentration (75.3%). The median (interquartile range) length from symptom onset to diagnosis was 40.0 (6.8-100.5) mo. Seventy-one percent of participants had elevated preoperative serum calcium, and 73.2% had elevated preoperative parathyroid hormone. All participants obtained preoperative imaging studies (88.4% ultrasound, 86.0% sestabimi scan, and 45.3% computed tomography). Among them, 48.8% of participants received two, and 34.9% had three imaging studies. The median (interquartile range) time from diagnosis to surgical intervention was 3 (2-9) mo. Twenty-two percent of participants traveled to different cities for surgical intervention. Forty-seven percent of participants underwent outpatient parathyroidectomy. Eighty-four percent of participants reported improved symptoms after parathyroidectomy, 12.4% required oral calcium supplementation for more than 6 mo, 32.6% experienced transient hoarseness after parathyroidectomy, and 14.6% required reoperation after initial parathyroidectomy., Conclusions: This international online parathyroid registry provides a valuable collection of patient-entered clinical outcomes. The high number of responses over 10 wk demonstrates that participants were willing to be involved in research on their disease. The creation of this registry allows global participation and is feasible for future studies in hyperparathyroidism., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: 2%-10% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who undergo parathyroidectomy develop persistent/recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to determine which preoperative localization method is most cost-effective in reoperative PHPT., Methods: Clinical decision analytic models comparing cost-effectiveness of localizing studies in reoperative PHPT were constructed using TreeAge Pro. Cost and probability assumptions were varied via Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis (PSA) to test the robustness of the base case models., Results: Base case analysis of model 1 revealed ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration with PTH assay as most cost-effective after localizing US. This was confirmed on PSA of model 1. Model 2 showed four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) as most cost-effective after negative US. If not localized by US, on PSA, 4D-CT was the next most cost-effective test., Conclusions: US-guided FNA with PTH is the most cost-effective confirmatory test after US localization. 4D-CT should be considered as the next best test after negative US., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of dual fluorescence imaging in identifying central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between January 2022 and September 2023 were included. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy or total resection, and central lymph node dissection was performed at the same time. During the operation, tracing injection of mitoxantrone hydrochloride and 785 nm and 660 nm dual fluorescence imaging technique were used to measure the fluorescence intensity (FI) of parathyroid glands, central lymph nodes and background. After correcting to obtain the standardized FI, the paired t -test was used to compare the standardized FI of the parathyroid glands and central lymph nodes, and the Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the standardized FI and various clinical indicators. Results: The study included 30 patients (8 males and 22 females), with a mean age of (41.8±10.4) years. A total of 76 parathyroid glands and 234 central lymph nodes were identified under dual fluorescence imaging, and the standardized FI of parathyroid glands was less than that of central lymph nodes (44.7±16.8 vs 99.5±28.4, P <0.001). The visualization rate, false rate and miscut rate of parathyroid glands under 785 nm wavelength excitation light were 98.7% (76/77), 0 (0/77) and 1.3% (1/77), respectively (one case with no visualization and miscutting parathyroid gland was the encapsulated type). The visualization rate of central lymph nodes under 660 nm wavelength excitation light was 98.7% (234/237). There was no significant correlation between FI and clinical indicators such as gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, preoperative thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid microsomal antibody, serum calcium, parathyroid hormone level and surgical procedure (all P >0.05). Conclusion: Dual fluorescence imaging of central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands can improve the ability to identify parathyroid gland while assisting central lymph node dissection.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of autofluorescence technology on postoperative parathyroid function and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing thyroid surgery., Methods: A total of 546 patients were included in the study, with 287 in the conventional treatment group and 259 in the autofluorescence group. Both groups underwent central lymph node dissection, which is known to affect parathyroid function. Short-term outcomes, including rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and parathyroid dysfunction, serum calcium and PTH levels on the first postoperative day, as well as the need for calcium supplementation, were analyzed. A multivariable analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of autofluorescence on postoperative parathyroid dysfunction, considering factors such as age, BMI, and preoperative calcium levels., Results: The autofluorescence group demonstrated significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and parathyroid dysfunction compared to the conventional treatment group. The autofluorescence group also had better serum calcium and PTH levels on the first postoperative day, and a reduced need for calcium supplementation. Surprisingly, the use of autofluorescence technology did not prolong surgical time; instead, it led to a shorter hospitalization duration. The multivariable analysis showed that autofluorescence significantly reduced the risk of postoperative parathyroid dysfunction, while factors such as age, BMI, and preoperative calcium levels did not show a significant correlation., Conclusion: This study provides evidence that autofluorescence technology can improve the preservation of parathyroid function during thyroid surgery, leading to better short-term outcomes and reduced postoperative complications. The findings highlight the potential of autofluorescence as a valuable tool in the management of parathyroid hypofunction. Further research and validation are needed to establish the routine use of autofluorescence technology in the thyroid., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency and management of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and evaluate whether intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were more often superior or inferior glands., Methods: A retrospective review of the prospective parathyroid database was completed to determine the number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. Demographic data, laboratory and localization studies, operative management, pathology, and outcome were determined for patients with an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland and were compared with patients with an extrathyroidal parathyroid gland., Results: From 1990-2023, 808 patients were operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism; 17 (2%) patients had an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland, an adenoma in 15 (88.2%), and a hyperplastic gland in 2 (11.8%). The mean age was 53 years; 16 (94%) patients were female. Mean calcium and parathyroid hormone was 12 mg/dL and 150 pg/mL, and there were no differences from the extrathyroidal parathyroid group. Ultrasound and Sestamibi imaging were valuable in identifying an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland in 10 of 13 patients and 13 of 17 patients, respectively. Local excision was performed in 9 (53%) patients and lobectomy in 8 (47%) patients. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone was measured and predictive of cure in 12 patients. The location of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands was determined in 15 patients and was inferior in 11 (73%). All patients were cured. No patient developed recurrent disease after a median 54-month follow-up., Conclusion: Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands are the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in 2% of patients and are most often inferior glands. Local excision was accomplished in 53% of our patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Primary adenoma (PA) and multi-gland hyperplasia (MGH) account for 85% and 15% of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) cases, respectively. Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) enhances intraoperative parathyroid identification. We hypothesized that PA would display a more heterogeneous NIRAF pattern compared to MGH., Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for sporadic PHPT were categorized based on the presence of PA or MGH. To quantify heterogeneity, we utilized ratios of (1) mean parathyroid gland (PG) NIRAF over background NIRAF (mean ratio), (2) minimum and (3) maximum PG NIRAF over mean PG NIRAF (minimum and maximum ratios). Additionally, a heterogeneity score was quantified using mean ratio (mean PG NIRAF over background NIRAF), and overall NIRAF (mean NIRAF of eight random 15 × 15 pixel areas). A point was assigned to ratios <0.8 or >1.2. Images were quantified by ImageJ software. Mann-Whitney test was performed for all comparisons., Results: Of 78 patients, 63 had a single PA and 15 had MGH, totaling 102 PGs. There was no difference between their mean ratios. PA had a lower minimum ratio compared to that of MGH (0.86 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01, p = 0.001) and a brighter maximum ratio (1.21 ± 0.02 vs. 1.12 ± 0.01, p = 0.0008). PA also scored higher on their heterogeneity scores compared to MGH (1.27 ± 0.23 vs. 0.33 ± 0.15, p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Single parathyroid adenomas display a more heterogeneous autofluorescence pattern compared to that of multi-gland hyperplasia. Intraoperative characterization of PGs by real-time NIR imaging patterns may be a beneficial adjunct during parathyroid surgery., (© 2023 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: This study aimed to assess the benefits and limitations of four intraoperative visualization of parathyroid gland (IVPG) strategies in the identification and functional protection of parathyroid glands (PGs)., Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases until 30 June 2023. Four IVPG strategies were composed of the naked eyes (NE) and three imaging strategies: autofluorescence (AF), indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF), and carbon nanoparticles (CN). We performed a pairwise meta-analysis (PMA) for direct comparisons and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) for indirect comparisons., Results: A total of 29 eligible studies were included. According to NMA and PMA, AF had significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, PG inadvertent resection, and PG auto-transplantation compared to NE, while had significantly higher rate of PG identification. CN showed significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, and PG inadvertent resection compared to NE in PMA and NMA. ICGF showed a significantly higher rate of PG auto-transplantation compared to NE in PMA and AF in NMA. According to SUCRA values, AF showed the best advantage in reducing the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (0.85) and PG inadvertent resection (0.89), and increasing the rate of PG identification (0.80). CN had the greatest advantage in reducing the rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (0.95). ICGF ranked the highest in the rate of PG auto-transplantation (0.98)., Conclusions: Three imaging strategies demonstrate significant superiority over NE in the intraoperative PG identification and functional protection. AF is the best strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, increasing the rate of PG identification, and reducing the rate of PG inadvertent resection and auto-transplantation. ICGF has great value in assessing PG viability, leading to the trend towards PG auto-transplantation. CN is the best strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disease has evolved considerably since the era of Theodor Kocher. We review the current trends in thyroid and parathyroid surgery concerning robotic surgery for remote access, the use of parathyroid autofluorescence detection technology to aid in the prevention of hypocalcemia as well as the use of thermal ablation to target thyroid nodules in a minimally invasive way. We also discuss how artificial intelligence is being used to improve the workflow and diagnostics preoperatively as well as for intraoperative decision-making. We also discuss potential areas where future research may enhance outcomes., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism may cause significant patient morbidity and even mortality. Emerging technologies centered on autofluorescent properties of parathyroid glands when exposed to near-infrared light hold promise to improve surgical parathyroid gland identification and preservation. Two systems (probe-based and camera-based) are commercially available currently; however, neither system alone provides indication of vascular viability or postoperative parathyroid gland function. The administration of indocyanine green, when combined with near-infrared fluorescence imaging, enables subjective assessment of parathyroid gland perfusion. Additional technologies to assess parathyroid gland perfusion are being developed. The impact of these nascent technologies on relevant clinical outcomes is an area of active investigation., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Preservation of functional parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy and central neck surgery is crucial to avoid the common but serious complication of hypoparathyroidism. The first requirement is a solid foundational knowledge of anatomy and embryology which then enables the surgeon to use meticulous anticipatory dissection with identification and preservation of blood supply to the parathyroids. When preservation of blood supply is not possible, autotransplantation should be performed. New technologies harnessing the natural phenomenon of parathyroid autofluorescence to detect parathyroid tissue and indocyanine green to perform angiography may lead to improved outcomes with low risk to patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia, accounting for about 90% of all cases. This disorder is characterized by overactive parathyroid glands, leading to increased parathyroid hormone and excess serum calcium., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Near-infrared autofluorescence imaging (NIFI) can be used to identify parathyroid gland (PG) during surgery. The purpose of the study is to establish a new model, help surgeons better identify, and protect PGs., Methods: Five hundred and twenty three NIFI images were selected. The PGs were recorded by NIFI and marked with artificial intelligence (AI) model. The recognition rate for PGs was calculated. Analyze the differences between surgeons of different years of experience and AI recognition, and evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of AI model., Results: Our model achieved 83.5% precision and 57.8% recall in the internal validation set. The visual recognition rate of AI model was 85.2% and 82.4% on internal and external sets. The PG recognition rate of AI model is higher than that of junior surgeons (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: This AI model will help surgeons identify PGs, and develop their learning ability and self-confidence., (© 2024 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Although the general tenets of surgery have remained the same, improvements in techniques, diagnostics, understanding of anatomy, and technology have allowed thyroid surgery to become a standard, effective, and safe surgery. For surgeons undertaking this procedure, it is imperative to have an in-depth knowledge of critical anatomy and a comprehensive understanding of surgical techniques to perform safe and effective surgery. This article aims to provide an overview of surgical techniques that may be applied in both benign and malignant disease settings., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have no disclosures., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study is to define standards for the use of near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF)-based overlay imaging via EleVision IR (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) and to evaluate its clinical applicability., Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 189 patients who had undergone open thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery and in whom EleVision IR was applied to visualize at least one parathyroid gland (PG) between January 2021 and May 2022 in a tertiary referral care center. Whether the PGs were first localized by the surgeon or by overlay imaging was noted. Handling of the device, application time and duration, distance, infrared intensity (IR%), and the angle of each measurement were analyzed. In thyroidectomies, the specimens were subsequently scanned for further PGs. NIRAF patterns and intensities were described., Results: Overall, 543 PGs were analyzed in 158 (83.6%) surgeries of thyroid glands (TGs) and in 49 (25.9%) surgeries for hyperparathyroidism. In 111 (58.7%) patients, identical numbers of PGs were detected by the surgeon and by overlay imaging. While a larger number of PGs was identified by the surgeon in 48 (25.4%) patients, overlay imaging served to detect more PGs in 30 (15.9%) cases. In four (2.1%) patients, PGs were visualized post-thyroidectomy due to their autofluorescence on the specimen. NIRAF-based overlay imaging was applied to depict the PGs early on after exposure by the surgeon. The ideal distance for the measurement ranged between 8 and 12 cm with an angle of 90° and a mean IR% of 34.5% (± 17.6)., Conclusions: Considering the standard operating procedures, NIRAF-based overlay imaging can be used as an adjunct tool for intraoperative localization., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Patients with thyroid carcinoma often undergo cervical lymph node dissection, which is associated with high rates of both transient and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The impact of near-infrared fluorescence imaging + indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence on postoperative hypoparathyroidism rates after total thyroidectomy and central neck lymph node dissection was evaluated., Methods: All patients undergoing surgery between January 2019 and March 2023 were included and divided into three groups: a control group (parathyroid glands identified visually), a near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and a near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group. The primary outcome was the transient and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism rates. Secondary outcomes were: length of surgery and number of parathyroid glands identified, inadvertently resected, and autotransplanted., Results: A total of 131 patients were included in the study (47 in the control group, 45 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and 39 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group). The transient hypoparathyroidism rate was 48.9% in the control group, 37.8% in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone, and 5.1% in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group (P < 0.0001), while the permanent hypoparathyroidism rate was 8.5% in the control group, 2.2% in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and 0% in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group (P = 0.096). The number of parathyroid glands identified was 159 of 188 in the control group, 165 of 180 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and 149 of 156 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group (P = 0.002). Inadvertent resection of parathyroid glands occurred for 29 of 188 in the control group, 15 of 180 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and 7 of 156 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group (P = 0.002), with subsequent parathyroid gland autotransplantation for 2 of 29 in the control group, 2 of 15 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging alone group, and 3 of 7 in the near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence group (P = 0.040). There was no difference in the median operating time between groups., Conclusion: The use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging + ICG fluorescence decreased both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism rates in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and central neck lymph node dissection., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Thyroidectomy causes impaired blood supply to the parathyroid glands, which leads to hypoparathyroidism. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is helpful in blood activation and cardiovascular protection. Therefore, the efficacy of Tan IIA in improving hypoparathyroidism was explored in this study., Methods: New Zealand white rabbits were utilized to establish a unilateral parathyroid gland ischemia injury model. The model was created by selectively ligating the main blood supply vessel of one parathyroid gland, and the rabbits were then divided into three groups receiving 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg of Tan IIA. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured using specialized assay kits. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the microvessel density (MVD) in parathyroid glands. Western blotting (WB) was used to analyze protein expression related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the pathway-associated HIF-1α and VEGF. Moreover, MMP-2 and MMP-9 involved in angiogenesis were detected by WB., Results: Tan IIA treatment effectively restored serum calcium and PTH levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, MVD in the parathyroid glands increased significantly, especially at higher doses. The Tan IIA treatment also elevated the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios, indicating that the PI3K/AKT pathway was reactivated. Moreover, Tan IIA significantly restored the decreased expression levels of VEGF and HIF-1α caused by parathyroid surgery. Additionally, Tan IIA increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels., Conclusion: Tan IIA activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, promotes angiogenesis by modulating VEGF, HIF-1α, MMP-2, and MMP-9, thereby further enhancing MVD within the parathyroid glands. This study demonstrates that Tan IIA improved post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism.

We present successful surgical treatment of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperparathyroidism undergoing renal replacement therapy. At baseline, parathyroidectomy via cervical access was performed for parathyroid adenomas. After 6 years, clinical and laboratory relapse of disease required thoracoscopic resection of atypically located anterior mediastinal adenoma. This case demonstrates that this disease is one of the most difficult in modern medicine requiring a special approach in diagnosis and treatment. Patients with CKD and hyperparathyroidism need for follow-up, control of total and ionized serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and parathormone, osteodensitometry, ultrasound and scintigraphy of thyroid and parathyroid glands, and, if necessary, CT or MRI of the neck and chest organs.

Over the past decade, near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging has been a major breakthrough in endocrine surgery. Although initial focus was directed at the parathyroid glands, subsequent work has also shown that non-parathyroid neuroendocrine tumors also possess autofluorescence properties. The aim of this review is to present an update and synopsis about NIRAF applications in various endocrine surgical procedures. Methodology includes a review of the literature supplemented with expert opinion. Overall, our review reveals that the use of NIRAF may provide the surgeon with adjunctive critical information that has the potential to change the conduct of many various endocrine surgical procedures., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In recent years, predictive methods for assessing the preservation of the parathyroid glands have been actively implemented. The article describes the first experience of evaluating the blood supply of the parathyroid glands by quantitative determination of the indocyanine green (ICG) accumulation index in real time in 6 patients before and after a thyroidectomy with central neck lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid cancer. Intraoperative fluorescent angiography was performed by using domestic equipment with a fluorescent module, as well as by using a domestic medication of ICG. Intraoperative values of the ICG accumulation index were compared with the levels of ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone perioperatively. No clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia were detected in the postoperative period. The obtained results showed the informativeness of the numerical assessment of the intensity of ICG fluorescence. The evaluation of the distribution (accumulation) of ICG has prospects for practical application in thyroid surgery in the formation of tactics for preserving the parathyroid glands and predicting postoperative hypoparathyreosis.

A 72-year-old female patient with chronic kidney disease stage presented with multiple parathyroid adenomas and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. SPECT/CT with 99m Tc-MIBI revealed accumulation of radiopharmaceuticals in 2 out of 4 parathyroid glands. Ultrasound established localization of all parathyroid glands. Subtotal parathyroidectomy with excision of 3 glands and resection of half of the fourth gland was performed. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was performed to identify all parathyroid glands and remnant perfusion. There was normal parathyroid function after 6 months.