Comparing subtotal parathyroidectomy and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Both subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX + AT) are considered acceptable surgical approaches for renal patients. It is common that parathyroid surgery is performed in patients before they undergo kidney transplantation and there is currently no evidence considering the best surgical approach in this subset of patients. METHODS: Two cohorts were identified of consecutive patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism by two surgeons at a single institution over equivalent time periods (SPTX and TPTX + AT). A retrospective chart review was performed to assess these techniques, including outcomes following kidney transplantation. RESULTS: There were 125 patients analysed, with 56 patients who underwent SPTX and 69 who underwent TPTX + AT. Both cohorts effectively reduced PTH post operatively. There were 22 patients in the SPTX cohort and 26 in the TPTX + AT cohort that subsequently received kidney transplants. There were no cases of recurrent hyperparathyroidism and one of hypoparathyroidism (4.5%) in the SPTX patients post-transplant. There was one case of recurrent hyperparathyroidism (3.8%) and four of persistent hypoparathyroidism (15.4%) in the TPTX + AT patients post-transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism requires a careful balance of the extent of parathyroid resection to prevent persistent/recurrent disease and avoid permanent hypoparathyroidism. SPTX may be a more appropriate option in kidney transplant candidates in order to minimise the risk of long-term hypoparathyroidism.