Parathyroid autotransplantation at a novel site for better evaluation of the grafted gland function: study protocol for a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Background Hypoparathyroidism is one of the most common complications encountered in thyroidectomy. In addition to parathyroid in-situ preservation, parathyroid autotransplantation (PA) is another important remedial method for patients whose parathyroid glands have been removed. However, an accurate evaluation method for the function of a transplanted parathyroid is lacking. Our preliminary study indicated that patients with PA at novel sites near antecubital veins had higher serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Therefore, the main hypothesis is that a grafted site closer to the cephalic vein is more useful for better evaluation of transplanted parathyroid function. This study aims to confirm the more efficient and accurate evaluation system through a prospective, randomized controlled trial.