Vascularized and nonvascularized parathyroid gland transfer: a comparative study

There is currently no animal model available to study the results of vascularized parathyroid gland autotransfers and nonvascularized autotransfers in the same model. This study was undertaken to determine the technical feasibility of performing microvascular parathyroid gland autotransfers in the dog, and to compare the postoperative levels of calcium, phosphorous, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to a group of dogs who underwent nonvascularized parathyroid gland transfers. Dogs in the nonvascularized group were unable to maintain normal calcium without supplements, whereas dogs in the vascularized group maintained levels in the normal range. Microsurgical techniques allow transplant of a precise amount of parathyroid gland with its vascular supply to another part of the body with almost immediate restoration of function.