AIM: To study feasibility, effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism; to define the advantages and disadvantages of this technique compared with conventional open surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes the results of 33 minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomies performed in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The control group included 36 patients who underwent conventional open surgery.

RESULTS: There were significantly increased time of surgery in the main group (41.2±12.7 min vs. 28.4±10.9 min, p<0.05), decreased need for postoperative analgesia (1,2±0.3 vs. 1.9±0.5 days, p<0.05) and significantly longer postoperative scar (1.8±0.2 vs. 6.2±0.5 cm, p<0.01). Incidence of complications was similar in both groups (6.1% vs. 8.3%, p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism is feasible, safe and effective intervention that improves early postoperative course and cosmetic outcomes.