Subtotal parathyroidectomy versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

A retrospective review of patients treated for secondary hyperparathyroidism by total parathyroidectomy with parathyroid autotransplantation (tPTX) and subtotal parathyroidectomy (sPTX) is presented. Ten patients underwent tPTX, and 22 patients underwent sPTX between 1977 and 1982. Hypocalcemia and complications of its treatment were a problem in the tPTX patients. One patient in the tPTX group and no patients in the sPTX group have required reoperation for recurrence. Both procedures were highly successful in relieving symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism and in reversing renal osteodystrophy. The authors believe that sPTX is a proven, effective operation and the operative treatment of choice for secondary hyperparathyroidism.