Parathyroid surgery

When is this performed?

• In patients with one or more over active parathyroid glands
• In parathyroid cancer

What does the treatment involve?

• Surgery can be performed using various approaches depending on the nature of the illness being treated and your local services
• Examples of approaches include:
  Open (or explorative through larger incision)
  Focal (small incision beside parathyroid identified to be at fault)
  Endoscopic (small incision, but can be used to explore)

Are there any side-effects?

• A low serum calcium after surgery is not uncommon and can be associated with tingling. Your calcium will be checked after surgery and treatment commenced if needed
• A slight alteration in voice occurs rarely (<1%)

How long does this treatment take and is admission to hospital required?

• The operative procedure may take less than an hour
• The duration of stay in hospital is dependent on the surgical approach taken
• Minimally invasive techniques can be performed as a day case, where as open explorative procedure may admission for several days
• Patients undergoing a focal procedure may be back to work within days
• The recovery time for open explorative procedures may be 1 week

What should you tell your doctor?

• A precise list of all your medication
• Your allergies