[Cryopreservation of human parathyroid tissue (author's transl)]

Cryopreservation of human parathyroid tissue achieved significance through the introduction of autologous transplantation in parathyroid surgery. The technique of cryopreservation and thawing is described. The functional integrity of frozen tissue was examined by checking its calcium-sensitivity which was compared with that of fresh tissue. This demonstrated a similar secretion pattern. Examination of the frozen tissue under the light and electronmicroscope showed almost all of the cells to be preserved. The indication for cryopreservation is given at total parathyroidectomy and autologous transplantation at primary and secondary hyperplasia, as well as at reintervention in primary hyperparathyroidism or in total thyroidectomy where it is not certain that living parathyroid tissue was left in situ.