Parathyroidectomy (for hyperparathyroidism) - Khobragade Multispeciality Hospital

What is Parathyroidectomy?

Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. These glands are four small endocrine glands located in the neck near the thyroid gland and are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. This surgery is mainly performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia).

Parathyroidectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hyperparathyroidism, offering significant relief from symptoms and preventing long-term complications. If you experience symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, or kidney stones, consult your endocrinologist or surgeon to assess your calcium and PTH levels and discuss if parathyroidectomy is right for you.

Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism

Patients with hyperparathyroidism may experience:

Fatigue and weakness
Bone pain or fractures (due to calcium loss from bones)
Kidney stones
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Abdominal pain or peptic ulcers
Depression, mood changes, or confusion
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

Procedure or Treatment

Parathyroidectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves:

Pre-operative evaluation: Blood tests, urine tests, bone density scans, and imaging studies (like ultrasound or Sestamibi scan) to locate overactive glands.
Surgery: A small incision is made in the neck to identify and remove the affected parathyroid gland(s). In some cases, only the abnormal gland is removed (focused or minimally invasive parathyroidectomy). In others, more glands may be removed if multiple are overactive.
Post-operative care: Most patients can go home within 24-48 hours. Calcium levels are monitored post-surgery, and supplements may be given to maintain normal calcium balance until the body adjusts.

Benefits of Parathyroidectomy

Normalization of calcium levels
Relief from symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, and mood changes
Prevention of complications like osteoporosis and kidney stones
Improved quality of life and overall health

Types of Parathyroidectomy

Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (Focused Parathyroidectomy):
- Removal of a single overactive gland through a small incision.
- Shorter surgery time and quicker recovery.
Bilateral Neck Exploration:
- Traditional approach where all four glands are examined.
- Used when the overactive gland is not clearly identified in scans.
Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy:
- Uses a camera and small instruments inserted through tiny neck incisions.
- Less scarring and faster healing.
Video-Assisted Parathyroidectomy:
- Combines endoscopic techniques with direct vision for better precision.