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The 4 parathyroid glands are located near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that controls blood levels of calcium.
IndicationsParathyroidectomy is recommended when one or more of the parathyroid glands are producing excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). This condition is called hyperparathyroidism.
Hyperparathyroidism leads to excess calcium levels in the blood, which may result in symptoms such as muscle spasm or tetany, bone loss (osteoporosis), kidney disease, including kidney stones, psychiatric problems, including depression, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
ProcedureAn incision is made in the neck, usually just under the Adam's apple. The 4 parathyroid glands are located and the abnormal parathyroid glands are removed. The incision is then closed.
In a partial parathyroidectomy, 1 to 3 of the glands are removed, leaving one to help prevent the body from producing too little parathyroid hormone (PTH). This condition is called hypoparathyroidism.
In a total parathyroidectomy, all 4 glands are removed. In some cases, the surgeon will implant parathyroid tissue in the forearm muscle of the patient to provide residual parathyroid function.
AftercareThe incision usually heals very well and there will be a light scar. Normal activity can usually be resumed within a few days.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/05/2010
Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
What is a parathyroidectomy?
Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more parathyroid glands.
At what age does the incidence of parathyroidectomy increase?
The incidence of parathyroidectomy rises after age 40.
When is a parathyroidectomy needed?
Parathyroidectomy is usually done to treat hyperparathyroidism (abnormal over-functioning of the parathyroid glands).
What condition does a parathyroidectomy treat?
Parathyroidectomy is usually performed to treat hyperparathyroidism (abnormal over-functioning of the parathyroid glands).
When is a parathyroidectomy necessary?
Parathyroidectomy should only be done when other non-operative methods have failed to control the patient's hyperparathyroidism.
What has caused the increase in the number of parathyroidectomy procedures?
The number of parathyroidectomy procedures has risen due to routine measurement of calcium in the blood.
What risk of infection exists with a parathyroidectomy?
Infection of the surgical incision may occur, as it may in any operative procedure, but this is uncommon in parathyroidectomy.
When should a patient who suffers from hyperparathyroidism be considered for a parathyroidectomy?
Parathyroidectomy should only be performed when other non-operative methods have failed to control a person's hyperparathyroidism. To clarify, hyperparathyroidism is corrected ONLY by a parathyroidectomy. High calcium is a result, but not the only result of hyperparathyroidsim, so a parathyroidectomy should be performed only when all other possibilities of high calcium have been ruled out.
What medical professional is qualified to perform a parathyroidectomy?
Parathyroidectomy is an operation performed most commonly by a general surgeon, or occasionally by an otolaryngologist, in the operating room of a hospital.
What is Parathyroidectomy?
the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands
Who performed the first parathyroidectomy?
Dr I Y Olchs
What is the major risk in undergoing a parathyroidectomy?
The major risk of parathyroidectomy is injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (a nerve that lies very near the parathyroid glands and serves the larynx or voice box).
