Application of total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation for uremia secondary hyperparathyroidism treatment

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a common acquired disorder in patients with chronic renal failure. Despite the development of new therapeutic agents, a majority of patients will require parathyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation of trace amounts of parathyroid tissue as a surgical option in uremia sHPT treatment. Methods: Clinical data of 50 sHPT patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation between January 2011 and December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Symptoms such as bone pain and fractures, concentrations of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), levels of ionized calcium and serum phosphorus, and activity of alkaline phosphatase were recorded before and after parathyroidectomy. Results: After operation, signs of pruritus, bone pain and muscle weakness was disappeared, iPTH level and serum phosphate concentration were declined markedly. No serious postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up observation was around 28 months. One female patient (2%) died 3 months after surgery due to heart failure, and another patient (2%) had persistent disease. All other patients recovered during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation of trace amounts of parathyroid tissue was considered to be a feasible, safe and effective surgical option for the treatment of sHPT.