Parathyroid surgery may not be as commonly discussed as heart surgery or joint replacement, but for individuals diagnosed with parathyroid disorders, this procedure can be life-changing. Whether you're dealing with primary hyperparathyroidism, a parathyroid adenoma, or another condition affecting these tiny glands, it's important to walk into the operating room informed and confident.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about parathyroid surgery—from understanding why it's done, how to prepare, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. If you're scheduled for this surgery at Action Cancer Hospital, or simply researching your options, you're in the right place.
What Are the Parathyroid Glands and Why Are They Important?
Most people have never heard of their parathyroid glands until something goes wrong. These four tiny glands, located behind the thyroid in your neck, are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.
They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls how much calcium is absorbed from your diet, how much is stored in your bones, and how much is excreted by your kidneys. When these glands become overactive (a condition known as hyperparathyroidism), it can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:
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Osteoporosis
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Kidney stones
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Fatigue and weakness
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Abdominal pain
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Depression or memory loss
What is Parathyroid Surgery and When Is It Needed?
Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. It’s typically recommended when at least one gland is overproducing PTH, often due to a benign tumor known as a parathyroid adenoma.
Surgery is the most effective treatment for:
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Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a single overactive gland
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Parathyroid hyperplasia, where more than one gland is enlarged
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Recurrent kidney stones due to high calcium levels
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Bone density loss caused by chronic high PTH levels
This surgery is considered highly successful and low-risk, especially when performed by experienced endocrine surgeons at top hospitals like Action Cancer Hospital.
Signs You Might Need Parathyroid Surgery
Wondering if you’re a candidate for surgery? Here are some common signs that it might be time to consider it:
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Elevated blood calcium levels on multiple blood tests
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Bone thinning or fractures
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Frequent kidney stones
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Chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, or brain fog
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Abdominal discomfort and nausea
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A confirmed diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma on imaging
Consulting with an endocrinologist or endocrine surgeon is the first step in getting a clear picture of your condition.
Getting Diagnosed: Tests and Imaging
Before you’re referred for surgery, your doctor will order a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis. These typically include:
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Blood tests for calcium and PTH levels
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24-hour urine collection for calcium levels
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Bone density scan (DEXA) to assess bone health
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Ultrasound of the neck
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Sestamibi scan – a specialized nuclear medicine scan to locate overactive glands
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In some cases, a 4D CT scan or MRI
These diagnostic tools help ensure that your surgical team knows exactly which gland is overactive and can plan a minimally invasive approach.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Experience matters when it comes to parathyroid surgery. It’s a delicate procedure that requires precision and expertise. At Action Cancer Hospital, patients benefit from a specialized endocrine surgery team with a high success rate and minimal complications.
Look for a surgeon who:
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Performs dozens or hundreds of parathyroidectomies per year
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Uses minimally invasive techniques
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Offers intraoperative PTH monitoring to confirm success during surgery
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Takes time to explain the procedure and answer your questions
Choosing a hospital that follows a multidisciplinary approach—like Action Cancer Hospital, which collaborates with endocrinologists, pathologists, and radiologists—ensures better outcomes.
Preparing for Parathyroid Surgery: Step-by-Step
Here’s what you can expect as you get ready for surgery:
1. Preoperative Evaluation
This includes a physical exam, review of your medical history, imaging scans, and blood tests. You may also need:
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ECG if you have heart issues
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Chest X-ray
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COVID-19 testing, depending on hospital policy
2. Medications and Diet
You’ll likely be asked to stop blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin several days before surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions.
There's no specific “parathyroid diet,” but staying well-hydrated and eating calcium-rich foods can help maintain balance pre-surgery.
3. Plan Your Recovery
Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home. Most patients go home the same day, but you’ll want a quiet space to rest for a few days post-op.
What Happens During the Surgery?
Most parathyroid surgeries today are minimally invasive, meaning they require only a small incision. Here's what typically happens:
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Anesthesia: You’ll receive general anesthesia so you're asleep during the procedure.
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Small neck incision: The surgeon accesses the parathyroid glands through a tiny cut, often 1 inch or less.
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Locate and remove the overactive gland(s): Using imaging and intraoperative PTH testing.
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Closure: The incision is closed with absorbable stitches or surgical glue.
The whole process usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
What to Expect After Parathyroid Surgery
After surgery, you’ll be monitored for a few hours before discharge. Here’s what most patients experience:
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Mild neck discomfort or sore throat
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Hoarseness, which usually resolves in a few days
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A small scar that fades over time
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Fatigue as your body adjusts to normal calcium levels
You may need to take calcium supplements temporarily to avoid low calcium symptoms like tingling or muscle cramps. Your doctor will guide you.
Recovery Timeline: Week by Week
First 24-48 Hours
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Rest, hydrate, and stick to soft foods
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Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity
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Monitor for signs of hypocalcemia
1 Week Post-Surgery
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Resume normal activities
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Stitches (if any) begin dissolving
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Follow-up blood tests to check calcium and PTH
2–4 Weeks
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Scar begins to fade
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Energy levels start to improve
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Most patients return to work (if not earlier)
Benefits of Parathyroid Surgery
The vast majority of patients notice a dramatic improvement in symptoms within weeks of surgery. Benefits include:
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Normal calcium levels
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Increased bone strength
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Fewer kidney stones
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Better mood, memory, and energy
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Improved quality of life
In skilled hands, this procedure has a success rate of over 95%.
Risks and Complications: What to Know
Though rare, like any surgery, parathyroidectomy carries potential risks:
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Infection or bleeding
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Voice changes due to nerve irritation
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Hypocalcemia (low calcium), usually temporary
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Need for reoperation if multiple glands are overactive
These risks are significantly minimized when surgery is performed at a specialized center like Action Cancer Hospital.
Lifestyle After Surgery: Long-Term Outlook
Most people do not need lifelong medication after successful parathyroid surgery. Still, it's essential to:
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Get regular calcium and vitamin D levels checked
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Follow up with your endocrinologist
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Maintain a balanced diet with leafy greens, dairy, and nuts
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Stay physically active to support bone health
For those who had bone loss or kidney stones before surgery, continued monitoring may be necessary.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Power When Preparing for Parathyroid Surgery
Facing surgery can be intimidating—but when it comes to parathyroid surgery, the benefits far outweigh the risks. With the right preparation, the right surgeon, and a little post-op care, most patients recover quickly and feel better than they have in years.
If you're preparing for parathyroid surgery at Action Cancer Hospital, rest assured that you're in capable, experienced hands. Use this guide to ask informed questions, follow your care team’s instructions, and step into your surgery day with confidence.
Your health is in your hands—get informed, get prepared, and take the next step toward feeling your best.
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