Parathyroid glands are nestled right behind your thyroid glands in your neck, and like its neighbor gland, the parathyroid is responsible for regulating certain mechanisms inside your body. Specifically, the parathyroid gland helps control the calcium levels in your blood. Just like your thyroid gland, if something goes wrong with your parathyroid, it can cause problems for your whole body. Today, we take a look at common parathyroid issues and explain the surgical process.
Parathyroid Problems
While the condition itself is rare, one of the most common reasons a person may need to undergo a procedure on their parathyroid gland is because it is overproducing parathyroid hormone. This condition is known as hyperparathyroidism, and oftentimes it is the result of the development of a small non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. Patients with kidney issues can also develop a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid surgery can be beneficial for both the body’s calcium levels and the previous kidney issue.
As with any procedure, there are some risks involved. Some risks associated with parathyroid surgery include:
- Accidental injury to the parathyroid gland.
- Injury to the nerves that feed into your vocal cords.
- Difficulty breathing after surgery (problem usually fades after a while).
- Hypoparathyroidism – A condition that can lead to low calcium levels in the body.
How The Parathyroid Procedure Works
Before it is determined that you need surgery your doctor will test the calcium levels in your body and find your parathyroid glands via CT scan or ultrasound to look for abnormalities. Should the tests reveal that you need surgery, follow your doctor’s specific instructions about diet and medications in the weeks and days leading up to surgery.
When the procedure begins you will be given a general anesthetic to ensure you are asleep and experience a pain-free operation. The surgeon will then make a small cut in your neck, usually in the center of your neck under your Adam’s apple. Your surgeon will then locate the four parathyroid glands and address any that are damaged. The surgeon will determine which glands are damaged via a special blood test during surgery. If all the glands need to be removed, part of a gland is usually transplanted in another area of the body to help regulate calcium levels.
Your surgeon may also opt for the minimally invasive operation. This operation involves an injection of a compound that will help highlight the diseased glands. The surgeon then makes a tiny incision on one side of your neck and removes the diseased gland through the opening. The minimally invasive option takes only about an hour to complete, but may not be available to all patients.
After your surgery you will likely be allowed to return home the same day. You’ll have to keep the surgical site clean and dry, and your diet will have to shift to soft foods for a bit, but full healing really only takes about 1 to 3 weeks. Your calcium levels will be examined during a follow up to ensure calcium supplements or a secondary surgery are not necessary.
