Autotransplantation of Parathyroid Adenoma

To the Editor: Some surgeons include parathyroid autotransplantation in the treatment of primary or secondary parathyroid hyperplasia.¹ The procedure is also used when the neck is re-explored for persistent hyperparathyroidism or when total thyroidectomy is performed for cancer.¹ It is rarely indicated in patients with parathyroid adenomas because removal of such tumors usually effects a cure. However, autotransplantation of a portion of a resected adenoma has sometimes been done when, during a difficult cervical reexploration, the surgeon was concerned about the blood supply to residual parathyroid tissue or was uncertain as to whether sufficient parathyroid tissue remained in the neck.