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Parathyroidectomy Autotransplant Advantage — ESENeph MCQ

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HardHaemodialysisParathyroidectomy Autotransplant AdvantageESENeph

A 65-year-old man on HD has refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism requiring surgery. His surgeon offers total parathyroidectomy with forearm autotransplantation. What is the advantage over subtotal parathyroidectomy?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: DThe autotransplanted forearm tissue allows simpler surgical access if recurrence occurs – forearm exploration under local anaesthetic is easier than re-exploring a scarred neck

Both techniques are valid. Autotransplantation provides accessibility for future surgical management of recurrent hyperparathyroidism.

Reference: KDIGO 2017 – CKD-MBD; NICE Hyperparathyroidism