Su A, et al. - Experts sought to determine the effect of autotransplantation of a parathyroid gland on the incidence of hypoparathyroidism and recovery of parathyroid function at 6 months after total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Autotransplantation of a parathyroid gland did not affect the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. However, it increased the risk of transient hypoparathyroidism when the rest of parathyroid glands were preserved in situ. In order to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism, at least 2 parathyroid glands ought to be preserved during total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection.