Autologous parathyroid gland in left-brachioradialis transplantation: A single-center study and long-term follow-up

Abstract

Parathyroid gland transplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle is effective, but it is not possible to confirm transplant survival with this method. In this study, we evaluated parathyroid autotransplantation into the brachioradialis muscle and its survival rate. ObjectivesTo evaluate autologous parathyroid gland left forearm brachioradial muscle transplantation and its survival rate. Summary background dataThe most commonly used transplantation site is the sternocleidomastoid muscle, but transplant survival cannot be confirmed using this method. Autologous parathyroid gland left forearm brachioradial muscle transplantation solves this problem, and we evaluate the transplant survival using this method. MethodsWe followed-up patients who underwent thyroidectomy and autologous parathyroid left forearm brachioradial muscle transplantation in our center from September 2013 to January 2018. The last follow-up date was January 2021; all enrolled patients underwent at least 3 years of follow-up. We calculated the transplant survival rate at several time points. ResultsWe evaluated 238 transplanted cases, for which the long-term survival rate was 85.7% (204/238), and the short-term survival rate was 86.1% (205/238). Sixty-five cases had two parathyroid glands transplanted into the left forearm brachioradialis muscle. The long-term survival rate was 92.3% (60/65), and the short-term survival rate was 95.4% (62/65). ConclusionsAutologous parathyroid gland left brachioradialis transplantation is a reliable, measurable method with good survival rate, and we recommend this method for consideration for transplanting parathyroid glands in thyroidectomy.