title: Parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy: documentation of graft function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Biochemical function of normal parathyroid tissue grafted during thyroidectomy can be documented.
  
  
  METHODS
  An intervention study in which devascularized or inadvertently removed parathyroid glands are reimplanted in forearm muscle pockets during thyroidectomy. Postoperative serum parathyroid hormone levels were evaluated by venous sampling from both forearms on postoperative days 1, 3, 14, 28, 56, and 84.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven patients undergoing thyroidectomy at risk for postoperative hypocalcemia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 1.5-fold gradient of parathyroid hormone measurements between grafted and nongrafted arms was demonstrated in all patients on postoperative day 28. A maximal parathyroid hormone gradient was reached on day 56, and biochemical function persisted in 6 patients on day 84.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biochemical function of parathyroid glands reimplanted during thyroidectomy can be demonstrated objectively. The application of parathyroid autotransplantation may preserve parathyroid function for inadvertently removed or devascularized parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Center, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Rd, Hong Kong. cylo@hkucc.hku.hk
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tam
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation*; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013965:Thyroidectomy; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone