Autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue into subcutaneous subclavicular area following total parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND

Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation is still an excellent treatment option for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Intramuscular or subcutaneous parathyroid autotransplantation has been previously reported; however, there have been no studies to date regarding the implantation of the parathyroid tissue in the subclavian area of the neck.

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2019. Patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue into subcutaneous subclavicular area due to secondary hyperparathyroidism were included. The patients' demographic information, including age and gender, was gathered, and the length of the dialysis period was asked from the patients. To evaluate the outcome of the study, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured and recorded before and after the operation. SPSS software, version 26, was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 41.05 ± 9.41 years were included. The mean length of the dialysis period was 8.07 ± 2.68 years. The mean primary PTH was 1770.61 ± 482.97 pg/ml (range: 656-2500 <). After 6 weeks of operation, 19 patients (45.2%) had functional autotransplanted tissue, and the median PTH was 28 pg/ml (IQR: 33.55, range: 0.1-221.8). However, the results showed that after 10 weeks, the patients with functional tissue were increased to 22 (52.4%), and the median PTH was 35 pg/ml (IQR: 48, range: 5.0-602.9). The functionality of autotransplanted tissue in the 6th and 10th weeks after surgery had no significant association with age, gender, and length of the dialysis period (p value > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous implantation is recommended in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism based on its high success rate and ease of use, suitable vascularization, easy accessibility to the surgery location in case of the need for autographtectomy.