R L Prosst1, F Willeke, L Schroeter, S Post, J Gahlen. 1. Department of Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Detection of normal and pathologic parathyroid glands often is difficult because of their variability in number and location. The feasibility and efficacy of a fluorescence technique for identifying parathyroids have already been proved in an experimental setting. This is the first report of human fluorescence-guided parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A 72-year-old man with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent minimally invasive videoscopically assisted parathyroidectomy after photosensitization with aminolevulinic acid. Under special fluorescence illumination by the D-light, a unilateral directed neck exploration was performed. RESULTS: The enlarged adenoma and an atrophic parathyroid gland could be identified rapidly and removed because of their intense red fluorescence. Surrounding structures such as thyroid, muscles, and soft tissue remained nonfluorescent and could easily be distinguished from the parathyroid glands. CONCLUSIONS: The aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescence technique represents a convincing visual detection method for intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands. The technique serves as an additional tool requiring only moderate technical and clinical expenditure for help in guiding dissection down to a preoperatively localized adenoma. When used together with preoperative ultrasonography and sestamibi scan, the fluorescence technique may justify a unilateral, minimally invasive approach for selected patients.
BACKGROUND: Detection of normal and pathologic parathyroid glands often is difficult because of their variability in number and location. The feasibility and efficacy of a fluorescence technique for identifying parathyroids have already been proved in an experimental setting. This is the first report of human fluorescence-guided parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A 72-year-old man with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent minimally invasive videoscopically assisted parathyroidectomy after photosensitization with aminolevulinic acid. Under special fluorescence illumination by the D-light, a unilateral directed neck exploration was performed. RESULTS: The enlarged adenoma and an atrophic parathyroid gland could be identified rapidly and removed because of their intense red fluorescence. Surrounding structures such as thyroid, muscles, and soft tissue remained nonfluorescent and could easily be distinguished from the parathyroid glands. CONCLUSIONS: The aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescence technique represents a convincing visual detection method for intraoperative identification of parathyroid glands. The technique serves as an additional tool requiring only moderate technical and clinical expenditure for help in guiding dissection down to a preoperatively localized adenoma. When used together with preoperative ultrasonography and sestamibi scan, the fluorescence technique may justify a unilateral, minimally invasive approach for selected patients.
Authors: Quirijn R J G Tummers; Abbey Schepers; Jaap F Hamming; J Kievit; John V Frangioni; Cornelis J H van de Velde; Alexander L Vahrmeijer Journal: Surgery Date: 2015-05-06 Impact factor: 3.982
Authors: Joost R van der Vorst; Boudewijn E Schaafsma; Floris P R Verbeek; Rutger-Jan Swijnenburg; Quirijn R J G Tummers; Merlijn Hutteman; Jaap F Hamming; Job Kievit; John V Frangioni; Cornelis J H van de Velde; Alexander L Vahrmeijer Journal: Head Neck Date: 2013-10-04 Impact factor: 3.147