Parathyroid surgery

What is the parathyroid gland?

Parathyroid glands are 2-3mm in size located closely with thyroid gland. There are 2 glands associated with the left thyroid lobe and 2 with the right thyroid gland. The function of these gland are to closely regulate calcium levels in your body which is essential for variety of functions from muscle, nerve and heart function, through to bone health.

You maybe referred for:

• Overactivity in the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)

• A benign tumour of one or more of the glands (parathyroid adenoma)

• Overactivity and growth of all of the glands (parathyroid hyperplasia)

• Malignant tumour of one of the glands (parathyroid cancer)

Types of parathyroid surgery:

• Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

• Open parathyroidectomy

What to expect

Depending on your condition and you investigation findings, Dr Wang will select the least invasive procedure for you.  This will vary from observation through to open parathyroid surgery.  Minimally invasive surgical options involve a 2cm cut in the neck to remove the offending parathyroid gland. 

Surgery is carried out over 1-2 hours under a general anaesthetic.  You will be able to drink, eat and walk around within a few hours.  Your blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels will be monitored closely during your hospital stay. Patient are typically discharged home the next morning.  Patient are recommended to take 3-4 days off work and most patients feel recovered after 1-2 weeks.