Total parathyroidectomy with autograft of parathyroid tissue in treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

In 16 patients with severe symptomatic hyperparathyroidism reduction of hyperplastic parathyroid mass was performed by total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue. In all patients except one serum parathormone (PTH) levels returned to normal and postoperative difficulties in calcium homeostasis were rarely observed. Fifteen patients had normal PTH levels after surgery. Graft function was proven in 10 cases, but in 5 cases graft function could not be definitely established with the methods applied. One graft failure was observed. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplanation of parathyroid tissue is recommended as the treatment of choice when surgical correction of secondary hyperparathyroidism is necessary.