What Is a Parathyroidectomy?
Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands — small glands located behind the thyroid that regulate calcium levels in the body. This surgery is most often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high blood calcium levels and associated complications.
Why Surgery Is Performed
Parathyroidectomy is recommended when high calcium levels cause symptoms or health issues such as:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Bone pain, osteoporosis, or fractures
- Kidney stones or impaired kidney function
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or constipation
- Mood changes or cognitive difficulties
Surgery removes the overactive gland(s), helping restore normal calcium balance and prevent long‑term complications.
How the Procedure Works
Parathyroid surgery is typically done through a small incision in the lower neck. The surgeon identifies the abnormal gland(s) using preoperative imaging and, when indicated, intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone levels to confirm successful gland removal. In many cases, only the affected gland is removed (focused parathyroidectomy). In other cases, multiple glands may be enlarged and require removal or partial resection.
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Surgery
Many parathyroidectomies are now done as minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions, shorter anesthesia time, and faster recovery. Traditional open surgery with a slightly larger incision may be used when disease is less localized, imaging is unclear, or multiple glands are involved. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach based on your condition and imaging results.
What to Expect During Surgery
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. Once the abnormal gland(s) are located and removed, intraoperative PTH levels are often checked to confirm that hormone levels drop appropriately. This reduces the chance of persistent disease.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay. Recovery is typically swift, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days. Postoperative instructions include:
- Pain control and incision care
- Monitoring for symptoms of low calcium (numbness, tingling, muscle cramps)
- Follow‑up blood tests to ensure calcium and PTH levels are normal
Calcium supplements may be prescribed temporarily as your body adjusts to the change in hormone levels.
Benefits of Parathyroidectomy
- Restores normal calcium balance
- Relieves symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
- Prevents complications such as kidney stones and bone loss
- Often provides a lasting cure
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, parathyroidectomy carries potential risks including bleeding, infection, damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (affecting the voice), and low calcium after surgery (hypocalcemia). Your surgeon will review your individual risk profile and how these risks are minimized through careful surgical planning and technique.
