Endoscopic total parathyroidectomy via anterior chest approach with forearm autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a comparison of surgical results with open total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation

OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to evaluate the clinical value of performing an endoscopic total parathyroidectomy through anterior chest approach with autotransplantation (EACtPTx+AT) in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) to summarize and share the clinical experience. METHODS: 24 patients with SHPT were retrospectively analyzed:11 patients underwent open total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (OtPTx+AT Group) and 13 patients underwent endoscopic parathyroidectomy through anterior chest approach with autotransplantation (EACtPTx+AT Group). Comparing the two groups regarding the following factors: (1) operating conditions, such as the blood loss during the operation, the length of time spent on the operating table, the number of parathyroid glands removed, postoperative drainage volume and hospital stay. (2) clinical efficacy, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium (Ca) levels. (3) postoperative complications. RESULTS: First, there were no significant differences in the number of parathyroid gland resection, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups. While there were significant differences in postoperative drainage volume between the two groups. Second, the two groups preoperative PTH and preoperative serum calcium decreased significantly compared with those of the two groups after surgery and there was a statistically significant difference. Thirdly, there was no postoperative bleeding, hoarseness or choking in the two groups and no conversion to open surgery case in EACtPTx+AT group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of SHPT using the anterior chest approach with forearm autotransplantation significantly improves clinical symptoms and lowers levels of PTH and serum calcium after the operation. The results confirm the operation’s safety and effectiveness.