Parathyroid gland surgery

Parathyroidectomy (surgery of the parathyroid gland) is a surgical procedure for the removal of one or more parathyroid glands. These glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium balance in the blood.

WHEN IS REMOVAL OF PARATHYROID GLANDS INDICATED?

Removal is indicated in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which parathyroid hormone is produced in excessive amounts. This condition can cause elevated levels of calcium in the blood and increases the risk of heart, kidney, bone, and other health problems. Other reasons include tumors of the parathyroid glands, complications after radiation, or failed drug therapy.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?

Preparation for parathyroid gland surgery involves several steps:

1. Talk to your surgeon: Before the procedure, it is important to talk to your surgeon about all aspects of the procedure. Inform them about your health status, including medications you are taking, allergies, and other health issues.
2. Stop taking certain medications: Before the procedure, your doctor will instruct you on which medications need to be stopped to ensure that the procedure and postoperative recovery go as planned.
3. Inform your surgeon about dental health: If you have had any oral infections, such as cavities or gingivitis, be sure to inform your surgeon. An oral infection can spread to the neck and lead to complications.
4. Do not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure: Before the procedure, you must not eat or drink for eight hours to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

Your surgeon will further inform you about preparation and provide specific instructions regarding diet, hygiene maintenance, and other steps prior to the procedure.

HOW DOES THE SURGERY PROCEED?

Generally, the procedure involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is free from pain and comfortable during the procedure.
2. Accessing the parathyroid glands: The surgeon will make a small incision in the neck to access the parathyroid glands. The procedure can be performed via open surgery or through an endoscopic approach.
3. Removal of the glands: Once the surgeon accesses the glands, one or more glands are removed depending on the case. The surgeon will aim to leave a sufficient number of functional glands to maintain calcium balance in the body.
4. Checking the functionality of the remaining glands: After the glands are removed, the surgeon will check the functionality of the remaining glands to ensure they produce enough parathyroid hormone and maintain calcium balance in the body.
5. Closing the incision: After the procedure, the surgeon will close the incision and place a bandage on the neck.

In cases where all parathyroid glands are removed, the surgeon will transplant one of them to another part of the neck to ensure the production of parathyroid hormone. Typically, patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure.