Outcomes of Total Parathyroidectomy with Autotransplantation versus Subtotal Parathyroidectomy Techniques for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

Objective: To compare the safety and the effectiveness of total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation versus subtotal parathyroidectomy for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Study Design: A comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Baskent University, Adana Medical and Research Center, Adana, Turkey, from January 2012 to November 2018.

Methodology: Patients operated upon for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism by the general surgery team were inducted. Overall, 25 (40%) patients underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (Group 1), whereas 37 (60%) patients underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy (Group 2). Patient files were retrospectively analysed for recurrence or persistence of hyperparathyroidism.

Results: A total of 62 patients, 32 (52%) of whom were females, with a mean age of 41.4 +/- 15.8 years for group 1; and 30 patients were males with a mean age of 43.1 +/- 16.7 years for group 2 were assessed in this study. The presenting complaints were bone pains and malaise supported by laboratory values that showed consistently elevated parathyroid hormone levels (>200 pg/ml). In the postoperative follow-up, 29 patients (46.8%) had transient hypocalcemia, while 3 (5%) had persistent hypoparathyroidism. In Group 1, one (4%) patient had a recurrence, while 4 (16%) patients had persistent hyperparathyroidism. In contrast, two (5.6%) patients in Group 2 had recurrence, whereas 8 (22%) patients had persistent hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusion: Both surgical options can be safely utilised in the management of refarctory secondary hyperparathyroidism. Moreover, regardless of the procedure used, all the parathyroid glands must be explored. However, due to high morbidity and failure rates of subsequent surgeries, the surgeon should be keen and thorough in the initial procedure.