Parathyroidectomy: What You Need to Know

When facing an overactive parathyroid gland, parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands to bring hormone levels back to normal. It is most often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands secrete too much parathyroid hormone. Excess hormone throws off calcium metabolism, leading to bone loss, kidney stones, and fatigue. In short, parathyroidectomy fixes the root cause by removing the gland that’s overproducing hormone, allowing calcium levels to stabilize and symptoms to improve.

Key Considerations Before Parathyroidectomy

The first step is accurate diagnosis. Doctors rely on blood tests for calcium and parathyroid hormone, then turn to imaging—Sestamibi scans, high‑resolution ultrasound, or 4‑D CT—to pinpoint the problematic gland. This pre‑operative imaging is crucial; without it, surgeons can’t plan the incision or decide whether a minimally invasive approach is possible. During the operation, many surgeons check intra‑operative PTH levels because a rapid drop confirms that the source has been removed, dramatically boosting surgical success. Modern techniques include minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, which uses a tiny neck incision and often avoids the need for a larger exploration. Patients benefit from shorter anesthesia time, less pain, and faster return to daily activities compared with traditional open surgery.

Recovery is typically smooth. Most people go home the same day or after an overnight stay, with only mild neck discomfort that resolves in a week or two. Post‑operative labs are taken within 24 hours to confirm calcium and PTH are in the desired range. If calcium drops too low, supplements are prescribed temporarily. Long‑term follow‑up focuses on monitoring bone density and kidney health, since the underlying condition has been addressed. The success rate for primary hyperparathyroidism is over 95 %, and the risk of persistent disease is low when intra‑operative PTH monitoring and good imaging are combined. As you explore the articles below, you’ll find detailed guides on imaging choices, surgical techniques, recovery tips, and what to expect after the procedure, giving you a complete picture of the entire parathyroidectomy journey.