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The procedure
The procedure
Minimally invasive (keyhole) video‑assisted surgery to remove abnormal parathyroid glands is done under general anaesthesia. It involves making a tiny cut in the neck. The surgeon then inserts a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end through the cut. This sends pictures to a screen to help the surgeon see the parathyroid glands and surrounding tissue. Surgical instruments through the cut to find and remove any abnormal glands. The cut is usually made in the centre of the neck just above the breastbone to access glands on both sides. Sometimes, the cut is made on the side of the neck.
The aim of video‑assisted keyhole surgery is to be able to use smaller cuts than with 'open' surgery, so that there is less pain and scarring after surgery.