Fine-Needle Pricking Test of the Parathyroid Gland during Thyroid Surgery in Predicting Parathyroid Function

Figure 2

Flowchart for the study of parathyroid gland fine-needle pricking tests to predict parathyroid function. The PGPIEV group indicates the number of in situ preserved parathyroid glands with excellent vascularity (see text for details). Hypoparathyroidism was defined by an intact parathyroid hormone level below 15 ng/l. CND, central neck dissection; POD, postoperative day.