Our technique of parathyroid autotransplantation in operation for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

For papillary thyroid carcinoma, we have used our standard operative method consisting of total thyroidectomy, bilateral lymph node dissection, and parathyroid autotransplantation. Our special parathyroid transplantation method involves transplantation of the minced glands into the pectoralis major muscle. We investigated whether this method is useful for preserving parathyroid function.

METHODS

In 17 patients who underwent our standard operation for papillary thyroid carcinoma, the intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium levels were determined for 4 weeks after the operation.

RESULTS

In all cases the intact PTH levels fell below detectable limits immediately after operation and then recovered to the preoperative level about 2 weeks after the operation. The same recovery patterns were observed in two groups undergoing transplantation of two glands and three or four glands.

CONCLUSIONS

These recovery patterns of intact PTH levels seem to indicate that the glands were grafted successfully and recovered their function. Our method is thought to be useful for preserving parathyroid function after surgery.