Parathyroid surgery, also known as parathyroidectomy, is the surgical removal of all or some of your parathyroid glands, which are located around the trachea or windpipe in the front of the neck. The parathyroid glands are responsible for controlling the levels of phosphorus and calcium in your blood.
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition marked by increased levels of calcium in the blood, which develops when the parathyroid glands become dysfunctional.
Removing the parathyroid glands corrects the imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
During parathyroid surgery your general surgeon will remove all or part of your parathyroid glands through a minor incision in the neck. Sutures are put in place underneath the skin to close the wound with minimal scarring. You will be placed under a general anesthesia to remain asleep during the operation.
The removal of the abnormal parathyroid glands is generally enough to eliminate improper calcium levels in the blood. Most patients remain in the hospital at least one day following parathyroid surgery.
Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery is completed with the use of specialized surgical equipment called a Gamma Probe.
Following parathyroid surgery you should expect moderate swelling and discomfort around the incision site in the neck. Your surgeon may recommend that you begin taking calcium supplements following the removal of the parathyroid glands to prevent calcium deficiency.
You may experience hoarseness of voice for several days following parathyroid surgery.
Your general surgeon will provide you with details concerning any risks associated with your upcoming operation, as well as instructions as to how to avoid them.
