Definition

Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumors.

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Alternative Names

Removal of parathyroid gland; Parathyroid gland removal

Description

Parathyroidectomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Sometimes it is done with regional anesthesia (awake, but pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the neck just under the Adam's apple and 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 in place 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

Patients usually recovery very quickly after surgery, especially when minimally invasive techniques are used.

Following this procedure, you should have routine blood tests to check your calcium level.

Convalescence

Normal activity usually can be resumed within a few days.

Lots More Information:
•Hypoparathyroidism
•PTH
•Hyperparathyroidism
Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.