Parathyroidectomy

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Description

• Indications
• Risks
• Expectations after surgery
• Convalescence

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumors.

Description    Return to top

Parathyroidectomy is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the neck just under the Adam's apple. The surgeon locates the four parathyroid glands.

The particular problem or disease will determine how many of the parathyroid glands are removed. Usually, some parathyroid tissue is left behind to help prevent hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone).

Indications    Return to top

Parathyroidectomy is recommended when one or more parathyroid glands are producing excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism.

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection

• Injury to the thyroid gland
• Hypoparathyroidism (leading to dangerously low calcium levels)
• Injury to the vocal cord nerves

Expectations after surgery    Return to top

Recovery is usually rapid following surgery, especially when minimally invasive surgical techniques are used.

Your serum calcium levels should be monitored following this procedure.

Convalescence    Return to top

Normal activity usually can be resumed within a few days.