Parathyroidectomy
About this test
Parathyroidectomy (pair-uh-thie-roid-EK-tuh-me) is surgery to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands or a tumor that's affecting a parathyroid gland. Parathyroid (pair-uh-THIE-roid) glands are four tiny structures, each about the size of a grain of rice. They are located behind the thyroid at the bottom of the neck. These glands make parathyroid hormone. That hormone helps keep the right balance of calcium in the bloodstream, as well as in body tissues that need calcium to work correctly. Parathyroid hormone is essential for nerves and muscles to work properly and for bones to be healthy.
Why it's done
You may need this surgery if one or more of your parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism). Hyperparathyroidism can cause you to have too much calcium in your blood. That can lead to a number of problems, including weak bones, kidney stones, fatigue, memory problems, muscle and bone pain, excessive urination and stomach pain, among others.
Risks and complications
Parathyroidectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, it carries a risk of complications. Potential problems that could happen after this surgery include: Infection A collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin of the neck that causes swelling and pressure Long-term low calcium levels due to removal of or damage to all four parathyroid glands Persistent or recurrent high calcium levels due to a parathyroid gland that could not be found during surgery or another parathyroid gland that becomes overactive after surgery
How to prepare
You may need to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period of time before surgery. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions. Before your surgery, ask a friend or family member to help you get home after the procedure.
Understanding your results
Parathyroidectomy cures almost all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and returns blood calcium levels to a healthy range. Symptoms caused by too much calcium in the blood may go away or greatly improve after this procedure. After parathyroid glands are removed, the remaining parathyroid glands may take some time to work properly again. This, along with uptake of calcium into bones, can lead to low levels of calcium — a condition called hypocalcemia. You may have of numbness, tingling or cramping if your calcium level gets too low. This usually lasts only a few days or a few weeks after surgery. Your health care provider may advise that you take calcium after surgery to prevent low calcium. Typically, blood calcium eventually returns to a healthy level. Rarely, hypocalcemia may be permanent. If so, calcium supplements, and sometimes vitamin D, may be needed long term.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.