Parathyroidectomy

What is Parathyroidectomy?

Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part or complete parathyroid gland (which produce hormones that increase levels of calcium in the blood).

Indications for Parathyroidectomy

The treatment is indicated for patients with hyperparathyroidism (high levels of parathyroid hormone caused by a non-cancerous tumour).

Preparing for the Surgery

• Before surgery, you will receive a complete medical evaluation and your doctor will discuss your surgery in detail.
• The anaesthetist attending the procedure will also evaluate you. You should notify your doctor of any allergies or any medications you are taking.
• You may be instructed to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery.
• Nasoendoscopy will be performed to check your vocal cords and their function.
• 8 hours before the procedure, you should have nothing to eat or drink.

Surgical Procedure

Parathyroidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on preoperative localisation and the nature of the disease the incision will be between 2 to 5 centimetre front of your neck.

The diseased gland and the tumour are cut and removed carefully. Sometimes, more than one gland is removed. The incisions are closed with sutures.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, parathyroidectomy may involve complications such as bleeding, infection, hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone) and injury to thyroid gland and nerves in the vocal cord.