Thermal ablation versus parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism: A meta-analysis

Abstract Objective Thermal ablation and parathyroidectomy (PTX) have been recommended for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, it is uncertain which is the better method. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and surgical complications of the two treatment methods. Methods The following databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2018: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang. Eligible studies comparing thermal ablation and PTX for SHPT were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. Results Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials involving 326 patients with SHPT were identified. There was no difference concerning parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (MD 58.04, 95% CI -17.60-133.68, P=0.13), calcium levels (MD -0.07, 95% CI -0.17-0.04, P=0.21), phosphorus levels (MD 0.21, 95% CI -0.18-0.61, P=0.29), or hoarseness (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.24-1.16, P=0.11) between the two surgical methods. Compared with PTX, thermal ablation reduced the risk of hypocalcaemia (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.47, P Conclusion Thermal ablation and PTX were effective surgical approaches for SHTP. Thermal ablation reduced the risk of hypocalcaemia and increased the risk of SHPT persistence and recurrence. More large multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusions.