Alternative Names: Removal of parathyroid gland; Parathyroid gland removal

Description:

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:

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

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks for parathyroidectomy include the following:

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

Expectations after surgery:

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:

Normal activity usually can be resumed within a few days.