PARATHYROIDECTOMY
Removal of Parathyroid Glands

Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove hyperactive parathyroid glands.   

Parathyroid disease is the most common cause of elevated blood calcium levels in adults.  Elevated calcium levels can lead to kidney stones and other disturbing symptoms.  Most parathyroid disease is due to a benign tumor of a single parathyroid gland that produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH).

WHAT ARE PARATHYROID GLANDS?
There are typically four parathyroid glands (two pairs) that are located behind the thyroid lobes in the neck.  The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulates the calcium level in the body.  Parathyroid hormone signals the release of calcium from the bones and increases calcium absorption from the intestines.  The correct secretion of the parathyroid hormone maintains a normal level of calcium in the bloodstream to ensure the normal function of muscles and the normal conduction of electrical currents along the nerves.

If one or more of the parathyroid glands secretes too much PTH (hyperparathyroidism), sustained elevations of blood calcium levels occurs.  This event usually occurs in adults and is rare in children.  Hyperparathyroidism is usually caused by an adenoma (non-cancerous tumor) of a single gland.  It can also result from regulation problems within all of the glands (hyperplasia) or from parathyroid cancer – which is extremely rare.

SYMPTOMS OF PARATHYROID DISEASE

• Loss of energy & persistent fatigue (just don’t feel well)
• Inability to concentrate or changes in mood
• Bone pain due to osteoporosis (bone breakdown)
• Trouble sleeping and general irritability
• Kidney stones
• Pancreatitis
• GERD – gastric acid reflux

It is not uncommon for people to suffer mildly with 2 or more of these problems at the same time.  Due to increased blood testing, hyperparathyroidism is now diagnosed more frequently and often before patients are symptomatic.  If left untreated, however, symptoms are likely to arise and worsen with time.

PARATHYROIDECTOMY SURGERY
Over the years physicians have tried to treat parathyroid disease with medications – often without success.  Removal of the parathyroid glands continues to be the most effective treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism.  Because of the numerous glands and other important structures in the neck, the surgery can be technically challenging and usually is performed in conjunction with preoperative localization studies to help determine which parathyroid glands are responsible for the problem.  Surgeons with extensive head and neck surgical training usually perform the operation.  The procedure has been proven to have a >94% cure rate when performed by an experienced specialist.  Dr. Gunnlaugsson has extensive experience with parathyroid surgery and uses minimally invasive techniques to achieve the best functional and cosmetic result.