Parathyroid cryopreservation: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of consensus regarding the clinical utility of parathyroid cryopreservation (PC) and delayed autotransplantation (DA). This scoping review aimed to assess literature reporting on their frequency of use and functionality.

METHODS

A comprehensive search across MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL was completed to review the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving PC and/or DA.

RESULTS

Of 501 studies yielded from initial literature search, 31 studies were included. Study populations ranged from 1 to 29 patients and utilization rates of DA were 1-19%, except for one study. Many studies focused on MEN1 or secondary hyperparathyroidism patients. In all studies focused on secondary hyperparathyroidism, patients had fully functional transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

PC and DA are not utilized frequently in routine practice of parathyroid operations. However, they do represent an option for patients with MEN1 and secondary hyperparathyroidism, who are at higher risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.