Parathyroid autotransplantation in extensive head and neck resections: case series report

• Main Authors: Athanasopoulos Panagiotis G, Kyriazi Maria, Arkadopoulos Nikolaos, Dellaportas Dionysios, Manta Asimina, Theodosopoulos Theodosios, Tympa Aliki, Vassileiou Ioannis, Smyrniotis Vassilios
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-11-01
• Series: World Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Subjects: parathyroid autotransplantation; transhiatal oesophagolaryngopharyngeal resection; extensive oesophageal resection; postoperative hypoparathyroidism
• Online Access: http://www.wjso.com/content/9/1/149

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Permanent or temporary hypoparathyroidism may be a debilitating result of radical cervical surgery, as noted most commonly following thyroid or parathyroid surgery. However, it can also be the outcome of any surgical procedure involving bilateral extensive manipulation of the anterior neck triangle, especially in order to ensure oncologically adequate surgical margins.</p> <p>We report our experience of three patients that underwent parathyroid immediate autotransplanation following extensive surgical manipulations of the neck region for oncological reasons. PTH levels were restored to normal by the fourth postoperative week, allowing us to wean the patients off calcium and vitamin D₃supplementation, which was attributed to full autograft function. Parathyroid autotransplantation, immediate or delayed, is a simple and safe technique which should be considered by the surgeon whenever there is a high risk for postoperative hypoparathyroidism following radical operations of the neck for oncological reasons.</p>