Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026
Procurement of Parathyroid Glands from Living Donor Pigs and Ex Vivo Identification
Published on: August 1, 2025
Near-Infrared Autofluorescence for Parathyroid Identification in Pediatric Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Miriam Abellán Lucas1, Beatriz Febrero2, Francisco Javier López Hernández1
1Department of Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain.
Introduction:
Identification and preservation of parathyroid glands (PGs) in children is particularly challenging due to their small size and frequent ectopic location. Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) enables real-time intraoperative recognition of PGs; however, its application in pediatric patients remains poorly documented. Accurate PG identification is essential to reduce postoperative hypoparathyroidism.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective observational case series including patients <18 years undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy with the assistance of a NIRAF probe. Detection ratios, concordance with surgeon identification, false-positive or false-negative events, and postoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were recorded.
Results:
Eleven patients were enrolled, eight underwent thyroid procedures and three underwent parathyroid procedures. All PGs were identified in thyroid cases; 80% were first detected by NIRAF with 100% surgeon-probe concordance. Two false positives (thymic tissue) occurred, one in each group; two patients presented transient hypoparathyroidism.
Conclusions:
NIRAF appears to be feasible and safe for intraoperative PG identification in pediatric endocrine surgery.
