Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a tiny mediastinal parathyroid adenoma with non-localising imaging studies.

Variations in parathyroid gland positions often cause failure in initial parathyroid adenoma surgery, especially when imaging fails to localise the adenoma. This report describes a female patient with primary hyperparathyroidism for which preoperative localisation studies did not determine the position of the hyperfunctioning gland. The initial approach with bilateral cervical exploration and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring was performed unsuccessfully. A mediastinal adenoma was suspected due to meticulous negative neck exploration and repeated negative images for a neck adenoma. Subsequently, a second approach involving mediastinal exploration was performed. After the removal of remnant thymic tissue in the mediastinal space, a significant drop in intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels was achieved. The pathological result confirmed the presence of a tiny pathological parathyroid adenoma within the thymus. At 6 months follow-up, postoperative biochemical assessment was consistent with normal calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.

Complex Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Hereditary and Recurrent Disease.

Primary hyperparathyroidism can be sporadic or part of a genetic syndrome, such as MEN1 or HPT-JT. Diagnosis of hereditary HPT requires a thorough history and physical. Parathyroidectomy is curative with greater than 95% success. However, some patients have persistent or recurrent disease requiring reoperation. Reoperative parathyroidectomy is technically challenging, and localizing the pathologic gland can difficult. Patients needing reoperation should undergo evaluation by a high-volume surgeon. Care should be taken to obtain all of the preoperative workup and operative note from the initial surgery. Radioguided parathyroidectomy can be safely and effectively performed in patients with hereditary HPT or undergoing reoperative surgery.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Part One: Evaluation.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a disorder characterized by the autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that leads to hypercalcemia, multiple clinical sequelae, and heterogenous presentation. Whether PHPT is caused by a single benign adenoma (85%), multiglandular disease (15%), or parathyroid carcinoma (1%), surgery is the definitive treatment.

Turning Points in Cross-Disciplinary Perspective of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Pancreas Involvements: Hypercalcemia-Induced Pancreatitis, MEN1 Gene-Related Tumors, and Insulin Resistance.

We aimed to provide an in-depth analysis with respect to three turning points in pancreas involvement in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP): hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis (HCa-P), MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia)-related neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and insulin resistance (IR). This was a comprehensive review conducted via a PubMed search between January 2020 and January 2024. HCa-P (n = 9 studies, N = 1375) involved as a starting point parathyroid NETs (n = 7) or pancreatitis (n = 2, N = 167). Case report-focused analysis (N = 27) showed five cases of pregnancy PHP-HCa-P and three reports of parathyroid carcinoma (female/male ratio of 2/1, ages of 34 in women, men of 56). MEN1-NET studies (n = 7) included MEN1-related insulinomas (n = 2) or MEN1-associated PHP (n = 2) or analyses of genetic profile (n = 3), for a total of 877 MEN1 subjects. In MEN1 insulinomas (N = 77), the rate of associated PHP was 78%. Recurrence after parathyroidectomy (N = 585 with PHP) was higher after less-than-subtotal versus subtotal parathyroidectomy (68% versus 45%, p < 0.001); re-do surgery was 26% depending on surgery for pancreatic NETs (found in 82% of PHP patients). MEN1 pathogenic variants in exon 10 represented an independent risk factor for PHP recurrence. A single pediatric study in MEN1 (N = 80) revealed the following: a PHP rate of 80% and pancreatic NET rate of 35% and 35 underlying germline MEN1 pathogenic variants (and 3/35 of them were newly detected). The co-occurrence of genetic anomalies included the following: CDC73 gene variant, glucokinase regulatory protein gene pathogenic variant (c.151C>T, p.Arg51*), and CAH-X syndrome. IR/metabolic feature-focused analysis identified (n = 10, N = 1010) a heterogeneous spectrum: approximately one-third of adults might have had prediabetes, almost half displayed some level of IR as reflected by HOMA-IR > 2.6, and serum calcium was positively correlated with HOMA-IR. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher rate of metabolic syndrome (n = 1). Normocalcemic and mildly symptomatic hyperparathyroidism (n = 6, N = 193) was associated with a higher fasting glucose and some improvement after parathyroidectomy. This multilayer pancreas/parathyroid analysis highlighted a complex panel of connections from pathogenic factors, including biochemical, molecular, genetic, and metabolic factors, to a clinical multidisciplinary panel.

Esophageal schwannoma mimicking non-functional parathyroid adenoma on 99mTc-sestamibi imaging: a case report.

Technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT) is a mainstay of the pre-operative localization of parathyroid lesions. We report here the case of a 30 year-old woman with a fortuitously discovered 2 cm cervical mass for which a parathyroid origin was originally suspected due to its retro-thyroidal localization and a personal history of nephrolithiasis. Normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels excluded primary hyperparathyroidism, raising suspicion of a non-functional parathyroid adenoma, and SPECT/CT imaging showed that the mass was 99mTc-sestamibi-avid. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed; cytology was non-diagnostic but the needle washout was negative for thyroglobulin, calcitonin and PTH, arguing against a thyroidal or parathyroidal origin of the mass. Core needle biopsy revealed a schwannoma, ostensibly originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve; upon surgical resection, it was finally found to arise from the esophageal submucosa. This case illustrates the fact that endocrinologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine, head and neck, and other specialists investigating patients with cervical masses should be aware that schwannomas need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal 99mTc-sestamibi uptake in the neck region.

[Thoracoscopic resection of recurrent atypically located parathyroid adenoma of anterior mediastinum in a patient with hyperparathyroidism undergoing renal replacement therapy]. / Torakoskopicheskoe udalenie retsidivnoi atipichno raspolozhennoi adenomy okoloshchitovidnoi zhelezy perednego sredosteniya u patsientki s giperparatireozom, nakhodyashcheisya na zamestitel'noi pochechnoi terapii.

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.

KMT2A and chronic inflammation as potential drivers of sporadic parathyroid adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Sporadic parathyroid adenoma (PA) is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism, yet the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. METHODS: Surgically removed PA samples, along with normal parathyroid gland (PG) tissues that were incidentally dissected during total thyroidectomy, were analysed using single-cell RNA-sequencing with the 10× Genomics Chromium Droplet platform and Cell Ranger software. Gene set variation analysis was conducted to characterise hallmark pathway gene signatures, and single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering were utilised to analyse transcription factor regulons. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to validate cellular components of PA tissues. siRNA knockdown and gene overexpression, alongside quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and cell proliferation assays, were conducted for functional investigations. RESULTS: There was a pervasive increase in gene transcription in PA cells (PACs) compared with PG cells. This is associated with high expression of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A). High KMT2A levels potentially contribute to promoting PAC proliferation through upregulation of the proto-oncogene CCND2, which is mediated by the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3). PA tissues are heavily infiltrated with myeloid cells, while fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages in PA tissues are commonly enriched with proinflammatory gene signatures relative to their counterparts in PG tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed the previously underappreciated involvement of the KMT2A‒STAT3/GATA3‒CCND2 axis and chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of PA. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of KMT2A inhibition and anti-inflammatory strategies, highlighting the need for future investigations to translate these molecular insights into practical applications. HIGHLIGHTS: Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals a transcriptome catalogue comparing sporadic parathyroid adenomas (PAs) with normal parathyroid glands. PA cells show a pervasive increase in gene expression linked to KMT2A upregulation. KMT2A-mediated STAT3 and GATA3 upregulation is key to promoting PA cell proliferation via cyclin D2. PAs exhibit a proinflammatory microenvironment, suggesting a potential role of chronic inflammation in PA pathogenesis.

Phenotype and genotype of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 studied in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease with an estimated prevalence of 2-10:100 000. The main locations of tumors are parathyroid glands (HPT), gastroenteropancreatic tract (GEPT), and anterior pituitary gland (PT). The aim of our investigation was to describe the phenotype and genotype of Argentinian patients with MEN1. METHODS: A total of 68 index patients diagnosed with at least two of the three main tumors or one tumor and a relative with MEN1, and 84 first-degree relatives were studied. We sequenced the coding region (exons 2-10); the promoter, exon 1; and the flanking intronic regions of the MEN1 gene, following the Sanger method. We used MLPA in index patients without mutation. RESULTS: Prevalence of tumors: HPT 87.5%, GEPT 49% (p< 0.001). No statistical differences in the prevalence of HPT vs. PT (68%). Prevalence of pathogenic variants: 90% in familial cases and 51% in sporadic cases. Of the different 36 pathogenic variants, 13 (36.2%) were frameshift micro-rearrangement, 8 (22.2%) were missense, 9 (25%) were nonsense, 3 (8.3%) were mutations in splicing sites, 2 (5.5%) were large deletions and, 1 in-frame micro-rearrangement. We found 7 novel pathogenic variants. Thirty-nine percent (n = 33) of first-degree relatives of 23 families were found to be mutation carriers. CONCLUSION: The phenotype and genotype of Argentinian patients was similar to other MEN1 populations. A high frequency of PT and the identification of seven novel mutations are underscored.

Introducción: La neoplasia endocrina múltiple tipo 1 (NEM1) es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica dominante con una prevalencia estimada de 2-10:100 000. Las localizaciones principales de los tumores son glándulas paratiroides (HPT), tracto gastroenteropancreático (TGEP) y glándula pituitaria (TP). El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue describir el fenotipo y genotipo de pacientes argentinos con NEM1. Métodos: Estudiamos 68 casos índices diagnosticados por presentar al menos dos de los tres tumores principales, o un tumor y un pariente con NEM1, y 84 familiares de primer grado. Secuenciamos la región codificante (exones 2-10); el promotor, exón 1; y las regiones intrónicas flanqueantes del gen MEN1 siguiendo el método de Sanger. Utilizamos MLPA en pacientes índice sin mutación. Resultados: Prevalencia de tumores: HPT 87.5%, TGEP 49% (p < 0.001), sin diferencias estadísticas entre las prevalencias de HPT vs TP (68%). Prevalencia de variantes patogénicas: 90% en casos familiares y 51% en esporádicos. Hallamos 36 variantes patogénicas, 7 (20%) fueron noveles. Fueron 13 (36.2%) microarreglos con cambio en el marco de lectura, 9 (25%) variantes sin sentido, 8 (22.2%) con cambio de sentido, 3 (8.3%) en sitio de unión de empalme, 2 (5.5%) grandes deleciones y 1 microarreglo sin cambio en el marco de lectura. El 39 % (n = 33) de los parientes de primer grado en 23 familias fueron portadores de mutaciones. Conclusión: El fenotipo y genotipo de los pacientes argentinos con NEM1 fue similar al de otras poblaciones. Destacamos una alta frecuencia de TP y de variaciones patogénicas noveles.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism during Pregnancy: Two Tales with Different Outcomes.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rare in pregnancy. This condition is challenging to diagnose and manage due to the limited diagnostic and therapeutic options that are safe during pregnancy. If not diagnosed and managed in a timely manner, serious maternal and foetal complications may occur. We report two cases, one with surgical intervention and one without, to show the importance of timely surgical intervention and discuss the challenges in the management of PHPT in pregnancy.

Update in imaging tests used for the localization of parathyroid pathology.

Preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology, generally a parathyroid adenoma, can be difficult in some cases due to the anatomical variants that these glands present. The objective of this review is to analyse the different imaging techniques used for preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology (scintigraphy, ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET). There is great variability between the different tests for the preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology. The importance of knowing the different diagnostic options lies in the need to choose the most suitable test at each moment and for each patient for an adequate management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with surgical criteria.

Do large parathyroid adenomas increase the risk of severe hypercalcemia?

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is mainly caused by parathyroid adenoma (PA). Rare variants of PA, weighing >2.0-3.5 g are called "large" or "giant" adenomas and account for about 1.5% of all PA.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to compare normal-sized and large parathyroid lesions identifying risk factors for severe hypercalcemia.</br> <b><br>Materials and methods:</b> 27 patients with PHPT and parathyroid lesion ≥2.0 cm3 (study group) were compared with 73 patients with PHPT and lesion < 2.0 cm³ (control group). In both groups, the majority were women (81.5% - study group, 90.5% - control group, gender ratios 4.4:9.1, respectively). The patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively: PTH, creatine, calcium, and phosphate serum and urine concentrations, and calcidiol serum levels were assessed. Preoperative ultrasonography (US) was performed.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Patients with larger parathyroid lesions had signifficantly higher PTH and calcium serum concentrations and lower serum phosphate and calcidiol concentrations. There were no statistically significant differences in the concentration of creatine in serum and urine, calciuria, or tubular reabsorption of phosphorus (TRP). US relatively underestimated the parathyroid volume by about 0.3-0.4 mL (10% in larger lesions and 43% in smaller ones).</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> Due to higher PTH and calcium levels, larger parathyroid adenomas may constitute a higher risk of severe hypercalcemia. In general, US underestimated the parathyroid volume.</br>.

Incidentally detected follicular thyroid carcinoma mimicking parathyroid adenoma on Tc-99m MIBI scan: A case report.

RATIONALE: Primary hyperparathyroidism, though relatively prevalent among endocrine disorders, affecting 1% of the general population, often presents diagnostic challenges. Given its potential to precipitate severe complications including nephrolithiasis and fractures, timely diagnosis, and effective management are crucial. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old woman with hypercalcemia was referred to the Department of Nuclear Medicine for a Tc-99m MIBI scan. DIAGNOSES: Tc-99m MIBI scan showed focal increased uptake in the left thyroid gland area, initially suggesting a parathyroid adenoma. Further examination using SPECT/CT revealed a nodular lesion within the left thyroid gland showing high Tc-99m MIBI uptake. INTERVENTIONS: Left thyroid lumpectomy confirmed the lesion as follicular thyroid carcinoma. On the second Tc-99m MIBI scan conducted after total thyroidectomy, a parathyroid adenoma was eventually detected in the right lower area, enabling the subsequent appropriate treatment, a right lower parathyroidectomy. OUTCOMES: Thirteen days after the parathyroidectomy, serum levels of total calcium and parathyroid hormone returned to normal. Furthermore, bone mineral density evaluated using DEXA remained within the expected range for her age even after 14 months. LESSONS: When interpreting the Tc-99m MIBI scan, it is essential to keep in mind that various tumors rich in mitochondria, such as thyroid carcinoma, could show a high uptake of Tc-99m MIBI.

Parathyroid tumors in the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Endocrine Organs.

The diagnosis of pathological conditions of the parathyroid glands is the answer to clinically more frequently detected hypercalcemic conditions, including MEN syndromes. In routine biopsy practice, enlarged bodies are also a differential diagnosis for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. In the chapter of parathyroid tumors, the 5th edition of the WHO classification brings changes influenced similarly to other endocrine organs by the increase in genetic information. At the terminological level, the concept of hyperplasia has been narrowed down to secondary hyperplasia, most of the previously primary hyperplasias are referred to as multiglandular parathyroid disease due to evidence of multiglandular clonal proliferations. The term atypical parathyroid tumor replacing atypical adenoma is newly introduced - the uncertain biological behaviour is emphasized. The basic examination includes parafibromin immunohis- tochemistry, the deficiency of parafibromin being an indicator of an inactivating CDC73 mutation and an increased risk of familial forms, or MEN. Methodologically, refinements are introduced in the quantification of mitotic activity per 10 mm2. Oncocytic subtypes have an arbitrarily declared threshold of more than 75% oncocytes. The definition of lipoadenoma (multiplication of both components, more than 50% of adipose tissue in the tumor) is similarly specified. The diagnosis of cancer remains histopathological with unequivocal evidence of invasion, or microscopically verified metastasis.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Parathyroid Adenoma Synchronously Visualized on 99m Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT in a Patient With Hyperparathyroidism : Comparison With 18 F-FDG PET/CT.

ABSTRACT: 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging modality commonly used for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with hyperparathyroidism. In addition, 99m Tc-MIBI can also be used for imaging various tumors due to its unique mechanism of intracellular accumulation. Here, we introduced a case of a single 99m Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT simultaneously visualized two different malignant tumors, such as papillary thyroid cancer and small cell lung cancer, along with a parathyroid adenoma in a patient with hyperparathyroidism. The clinical usefulness of 99m Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT was also explored by comparing it with 18 F-FDG PET/CT among the three tumors.

Clinical predictors of negative/equivocal SPECT imaging outcomes in primary hyperparathyroidism: Factors calling for 18F-choline-PET.

PURPOSE: For minimally invasive surgery of parathyroid adenomas, exact localization diagnostics are essential. Main imaging modalities used for diagnostics are sonography, SPECT with/without CT (traditional imaging) and 18F-choline-PET. The aim of our study was to identify predictors for inconclusive SPECT imaging and subsequently determine in which cases 18F-choline-PET is needed. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 138 patients with histologically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). After sonography, patients underwent SPECT or SPECT/CT imaging, with subsequent 18F-choline-PET in cases of disconcordant results. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify clinical and laboratory factors predictive for negative SPECT results. RESULTS: Sensitivity rates for sonography, SPECT, SPECT/CT, and choline-PET were 47 %, 49 %, 71.7 %, and 97 %, respectively. Logistic regression revealed lower PTH levels (p < 0.001), presence of structural thyroid disease (p = 0.018), and negative sonography (p < 0.001) as predictive of negative/equivocal SPECT outcome. An additional traditional imaging CT scan to a SPECT enhanced detection odds, as did greater adenoma weight. Urolithiasis, osteoporosis, and calcium values as measurement of activity and duration of disease showed no significant association with the detection rate. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that 18F-choline-PET exhibited remarkable sensitivity in detecting adenomas among patients with negative/equivocal SPECT results. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals potential predictive factors for a negative/equivocal SPECT outcome in pHPT. Identifying these factors might allow minimizing futile SPECT examinations and perhaps encourage timely utilization of 18F-choline-PET imaging. Our study reinforces the clinical significance of 18F-choline-PET, especially in complex cases with disconcordant results by conventional parathyroid imaging methods.

Our experience with robotic-assisted thymic surgery.

Thoracic surgery is increasingly influenced by the development of minimally invasive approaches which have also influenced surgery in the area of the anterior mediastinum. The previously standard approach to the thymus via partial sternotomy was gradually replaced by the videothoracoscopic approach in most cases. In recent years, robotically assisted surgery has been gaining ground worldwide in this area, as well. The aim of our paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of procedures in the field of the thymus, including their indications, and to share our first experience with robot-assisted thymus surgery. At the 3rd Department of Surgery, since the start of the robot-assisted thymus surgery program, 23 thymectomies have been performed using this approach, of which 17 were performed for thymoma, 3 for myasthenia gravis, and 3 for parathyroid adenoma localized in thymus tissue. From our experience and the available data, it follows that the length of hospitalization, the rate of complications and the resulting effect of robot-assisted procedures is comparable to VTS procedures; however, the robot-assisted surgery also allows for mini-invasive treatment even in significantly obese patients and in patients with advanced thymic tumors who would otherwise be indicated for open thymectomy.

Ultrasonographic Detective Flow Imaging for Evaluating Parathyroid Adenoma in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Detective flow imaging (DFI) is a new imaging technology that displays low-velocity blood flow, which is difficult to visualize on conventional color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). In this study, we compared the usefulness of DFI with that of CDU and methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy for detecting parathyroid adenoma (PA) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). METHODS: From March 2021 to March 2023, 87 PHPT patients underwent surgery, and 66 had a single PA. We performed preoperative conventional ultrasonography with CDU, MIBI scintigraphy, and DFI for 42 patients (5 males and 37 females; mean age: 61.6 ± 15.4 years). RESULTS: MIBI scintigraphy detected PA in 85.7% (36/42) patients, and both CDU and DFI detected PA in all patients. The rates of vascularity in PA detected by CDU and DFI were 71.4% (30/42) and 85.7% (36/42), respectively. Vascularity was detected by DFI in 6 patients who were negative for vascularity on MIBI scintigraphy. Furthermore, DFI detected blood supply in 6 of the 12 patients with undetectable blood supply on CDU. Fisher's exact test revealed that high or low blood flow, as determined by DFI, was significantly associated with detection of feeding vessels in PA by CDU (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DFI was useful for preoperative detection of PA blood flow.

Parathyroidectomy for solitary parathyroid adenoma via trans-areola single site endoscopic approach: Results of a case-match study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish the standardized procedure of trans-areola single site endoscopic parathyroidectomy (TASSEP), and to compare the performance of TASSEP with that of conventional open parathyroidectomy (COP). METHODS: This study enrolled 40 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who underwent TASSEP, and included 40 of 176 PHPT patients who underwent COP based on propensity score matching. The retrospective analysis was conducted based on prospectively collected data. Perioperative outcomes, including surgical profile, surgical burden and cosmetic results and follow-up were reported. The learning curve was described using a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. RESULTS: 40 TASSEPs were completed successfully without conversions or severe complications. There was no statistically significant difference in operation time between TASSEP and COP groups (80.83 ± 11.95 vs. 76.95 ± 7.30 min, p = 0.084). Experience of 17 cases was necessitated to reach the learning curve of TASSEP. Postoperative pain score and traumatic index (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) in TASSEP were apparently lower than those in COP group (p < 0.05). During the proliferation and stabilization phases, TASSEP was associated with significantly better incision recovery and cosmetic scores. Postoperative serum calcium and PTH levels throughout the follow-up period indicated satisfactory surgical qualities in both groups. CONCLUSION: Based on precise preoperative localization and intraoperative planning facilitated by three-dimensional (3D) virtual modeling, TASSEP can be feasibly performed on selected patients with satisfactory success rates and low complication rates, providing preferable cosmetic results and alleviating the surgical burden to a certain extent.