Percutaneous Ablation of Parathyroid Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Percutaneous ablation of parathyroid adenomas provides a minimally invasive treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism. However, the overall performance of this technique remains underexplored. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of various ablation techniques for parathyroid adenomas.

Following PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases, including Ovid MEDLINE and Cochrane, were systematically searched. Studies that provided separate data for radiofreqeuency (RF), microwave (MWA), and ethanol ablation technique were included. Outcomes of interest were changes in serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and phosphorus levels, along with normocalcemia rates at 6-12 months post-ablation. Safety outcomes included transient hoarseness, permanent hoarseness, severe hemorrhage, major complications, and severe hypocalcemia. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, with pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. Also, the publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test for each outcome measure.

Twenty studies (815 patients) were included. The post-treatment normocalcemia rate at 6-12 months was 85.6% (95% CI: 80.48–90.72%). Serum PTH and calcium levels significantly decreased, with mean differences of 101.49 pg/mL (95% CI: 73.50–129.48) and 0.39 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.34 –0.45), respectively. Permanent hoarseness and major complications were rare, with incidences of 0.28% (95% CI: 0.00–1.05) and 0.31% (95% CI: 0.00–1.09). The safety and efficacy outcomes of RF, MWA, and ethanol ablation were comparable.

Our findings indicate that percutaneous ablation of parathyroid adenomas is safe and effective within the first year of the treatment. Additionally, they suggest that RF, MWA, and ethanol ablation can be tailored to patients’ needs