Parathyroidectomy
This page will give you information about a
parathyroidectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your
GP or other relevant health professional.
What are the parathyroid glands?
Most people have four parathyroid glands, which are in the neck
and control the balance of calcium in your body by making
parathyroid hormone (PTH). One or more of the parathyroid glands
can become overactive, causing an increase in the level of
calcium.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Any symptoms should improve. Surgery will also help to reduce
the risk of damage to your bones, kidneys or heart.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Sometimes you can have medication if the calcium level is not
too high or if surgery would be too dangerous because of other
medical problems you may have.
What does the operation involve?
A parathyroidectomy is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about an hour.
Your surgeon will make a cut in your neck in the line of one of
your skin creases and remove any enlarged glands (see figure
1).
Figure 1: The thyroid gland from the front
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
Specific complications of this operation
- Change in your voice
- Breathing difficulties
- Drop in calcium levels
- Failure of the operation
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after one to two days.
You should be able to return to work and normal activities after
about two weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Occasionally a normal gland that was not removed becomes
overactive.
Summary
Parathyroid glands can become overactive, causing an increase in
the level of calcium in the blood. Surgery to remove any affected
glands is the only reliable way to prevent long-term problems.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Keith Rigg FRCS MD
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment