Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) versus conventional parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective multicenter study

To compare minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) versus conventional surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT). Between 2006 and 2020, 53 patients underwent MIVAP and 182 underwent conventional parathyroidectomy for rHPT at the Kliniken Essen-Mitte and Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, respectively. Two propensity score-matched groups were retrospectively analyzed: the MIVAP group (VG; n = 53) and the conventional group (CG; n = 53). To assess long-term results, the patients were questioned prospectively (VG; n = 17, and CG; n = 26). The VG had a smaller incision (2.8 vs. 4.8 cm), shorter operation duration (81.0 vs. 13.9 min), and shorter duration of stay (2.4 vs. 5.7 days) ( p < 0.0001) but a smaller drop in parathyroid hormone (PTH) postoperatively (81.3 vs. 85.5%. p = 0.022) than the CG. The conversion rate was 9.4% ( n = 5). The VG had better Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) scores (10.8 vs. 11.7 p = 0.001) but worse SF-12 health survey scores (38.7 vs. 45.8 for physical health and 46.7 vs. 53.4 for mental health) ( p < 0.0001). The PTH level at follow-up was higher in the VG (162.7 vs. 59.1 ng/l, p < 0.0001). There were no differences in morbidity, number of removed parathyroid glands, disease persistence, late rHPT relapse and need for repeat surgery between groups. MIVAP was superior to conventional parathyroidectomy regarding aesthetic outcomes and cost effectiveness. Conventional surgery showed better control of PTH levels and health scores on follow-up than MIVAP, without any impact on rHPT relapse and need for repeat surgery. Trail registration number and date of registration: DRKS00022545 on 14.12.2020. Graphical abstract