Abstract
Cryopreserved autologous parathyroid tissue was reimplanted into 16 patients with permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. In 13 cases the number of necrotic cells in the thawed cryopreserved tissue was determined histologically and compensated by using a greater amount of tissue particles during re-implantation. These patients had normal transplant functioning after a median period of 6 months. On the other hand, delayed onset of functioning of the autotransplant was seen if the rate of necrotic cells had not been compensated. The results show that re-implantation of autologous cryopreserved parathyroid tissue is a suitable method for treating permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The method should be used as a firmly established part of parathyroid surgery.