A parathyroidectomy is a surgery to remove parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands located in the neck. The glands make a hormone that balance the level of
in the blood.
Parathyroid Glands and Thyroid Glands (Back View)
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The surgery is done to remove one or more abnormal parathyroid glands. The glands can be abnormal due to cancer or for other reasons.
A minimally invasive approach is usually done if only one gland needs to be removed. If more than one gland needs to be removed or if the doctor needs to do additional surgery in the neck, a conventional approach may used instead, which involves making larger incisions.
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like: BleedingHoarsenessLow calcium levels in the blood (more common if all four glands are removed)Wound infectionReaction to the anesthesiaSkin tethering—tissues and skin may become attached to the voice box or windpipeScarringBlocked airwayDamage to nerves (which can cause problems like paralyzed vocal cords)
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as: SmokingDrinkingChronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Your doctor will: Do a physical exam and ask you about your medical historyOrder imaging test such as ultrasound or parathyroid scanHave blood tests done
You should: Arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital after surgery.Avoid eating or drinking 6-8 hours before surgery.
Talk to your doctor about your medications, herbs, and dietary supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
is used most often. It will block any pain and you will stay asleep through the surgery.
In some cases, local anesthesia may be used instead.
The area will be numb but you will be awake.
There are different types of minimally invasive surgeries that may be used, such as:
A small incision will be made in the neck. A small tube with a tiny camera will be passed through the incision. The images from the camera will be sent to a TV monitors so the doctor can see the glands. Other small tools will be passed through the tube to detach and remove the gland. Once the gland has been removed, the incision will be closed with stitches.
A radioactive substance will be injected into your body. The abnormal gland will absorb the substance but the healthy glands will not. A small incision will be made in the neck and a small probe will be inserted. The probe will detect signals that are given off by the radioactive substance in the abnormal gland. This will help the doctor find the abnormal gland. Other small tools will be passed through the tube to detach and remove the gland. Once the gland has been removed, the incision will be closed with stitches.
With either surgery, if all four glands were removed, a part of one gland may be placed in a different area of the neck or in the forearm.
Between 30 minutes and 1-2 hours (depending on the type of surgery)
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
You may need to stay in the hospital for a day or you may be able to leave the same day. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you. Your doctor may also choose to keep you longer if you have any problems.
After your surgery, the hospital staff will: Observe you in the recovery roomCheck on your ability to swallow and speakTest your calcium levelsShow you how to change your dressings and care for your wound
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as: Washing their handsWearing gloves or masksKeeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as: Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the sameReminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masksNot allowing others to touch your incision
Be sure to follow your d