This procedure is exclusive to individuals diagnosed with ‘permanent hypoparathyroidism.’

It’s characterized by persistently low blood calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels for over six months, leading to symptoms like muscle spasms, weakness, tremors, and fatigue.

Two alternatives exist:

1. Conventional Therapy: Involves lifelong use of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Prolonged use may cause stomach ulcers, kidney accumulation, and damage. It offers temporary relief without curing the condition.
2. Recombinant Parathormone Therapy: Lab-produced PTH administered via subcutaneous injections, akin to insulin for diabetes. It’s more effective with fewer side effects but comes at a higher cost. Not locally available, sourced internationally, and may be reimbursed by SSI.

Thyroid surgery, notably for goiter, is widespread globally and in Turkey. Due to the thyroid’s proximity to vital structures like vocal nerves, parathyroid glands, and the carotid artery, it’s a complex and delicate procedure. The parathyroid glands, small and nestled behind the thyroid, can inadvertently be damaged or removed during thyroid surgery, though this is rare. However, if this occurs, it can lead to serious complications, necessitating lifelong medication or, in severe cases, parathyroid transplantation as the only permanent remedy.

No, there isn’t. Transplantation for permanent hypoparathyroidism is viable at any age once diagnosed.

Parathyroid transplantation is performed using two types (tissue type transplant and cell type transplant).

These tissues or cells are given to the patient in one of two ways:

• Intramuscular injection.
• Injection into the omentum.

Parathyroid transplant is an intramuscular injection. The patient does not enter the operation room, without anesthesia and no incision is made. The parathyroid cells were previously taken from the donor. The cells are prepared for transplantation under special and sterile laboratory conditions. Cells are put into a standard injector in a special liquid of 2ml and injected into the patient’s arm or abdominal muscles. This process is performed at the patient’s bedside, not in the operation room and takes only a few seconds. After the procedure, the patient is observed for a few hours and then discharged on the same day. medications that suppress the body’s defense system (immunosuppressant drugs) are not used after the procedure.

After a two-day hospital stay with intravenous cortisone administration, the patient is discharged on the third day. There’s no specific diet or restrictions, except avoiding overexertion. It may take months for the transplanted cells to function fully, requiring regular blood tests every 10 days. Pre-transplant medications are gradually reduced.

Regarding transplant success and risks:

Transplant success varies due to factors like donor/recipient age, cell surface antigens, immune system strength, and lab techniques. Unlike other organ transplants, an unsuccessful parathyroid transplant doesn’t demand organ removal. If unsuccessful, the body’s defense system destroys transplanted cells without side effects or need for surgical intervention.

Absolutely. Whether the initial transplant was successful and the cells lose function over time or if the first transplant was unsuccessful, patients can undergo subsequent transplantation procedures.