"Successful" parathyroid transplantation. A review of the literature

Seventy-one cases of acute and chronic hypoparathyroidism "successfully" treated by homologous parathyroid, heterologous parathyroid, and nonspecific tissue implants have been reviewed. The data does not permit the conclusion that special methods in themselves, such as culture of the tissue before implantation or total vascular transplantation, contributed significantly to the clinical "success." There seems little doubt that homologous and heterologous parathyroid tissue implanted into man is associated with temporary function. Long term benefit most probably represents adaptation to the hypoparathyroid state. It can be said positively but not quantitatively that parathyroid transplantation for hypoparathyroidism is followed by symptomatic relief. In medical investigation often the frustrating question remains: "Why did we fail?" However, in the specific area of the parathyroid transplant, the question is more encouraging but remains, "Why did we succeed?".