Parathyroidectomy

A parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure usually performed to treat, alleviate symptoms of, and reduce your risk of complications caused by one or multiple overactive or diseased parathyroid glands.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition that happens when too much parathyroid hormone is produced by your parathyroid gland(s). This leads to an increase in blood calcium levels, called hypercalcemia, that can cause a variety of health problems. A parathyroidectomy is performed to reduce your calcium levels and any associated problems.

You will normally be given a general anaesthetic, or sometimes a local anaesthetic, before your parathyroid is removed. A blue dye may be injected into a vein in your arm that collects in your parathyroid gland and makes it easier to see.

Parathyroid removal surgery can be performed in two ways:

• Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy – also called a laparoscopic parathyroidectomy. It is performed if the position of your overactive parathyroid gland is known and marked up. A small cut is made over the mark and your enlarged gland removed.
• Open parathyroidectomy - if the position of your overactive parathyroid gland is not known, a larger cut in a skin crease in the middle of your neck is made. Both sides can be explored and your enlarged gland removed.

Your doctor will discuss the best type of surgery for your individual needs. Parathyroid removal usually takes about an hour to perform.

When your parathyroid is removed, any symptoms you had such as bone, joint and abdominal pain, tiredness, depression, loss of concentration, constipation, excessive urination, nausea and sickness, should improve.

You should have less risk of permanent damage to your bones, kidneys or heart. Your risk of complications including osteoporosis and bone fractures, kidney stones and blockage, and kidney damage or failure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities and coronary artery diseases, peptic ulcers and pancreatitis are also reduced.

Yes, some patients may lose weight after parathyroid surgery. This can be explained as people with hyperparathyroidism may experience chronic fatigue, making them less active and more prone to weight gain. After their parathyroid gland is removed through parathyroid surgery and their hyperparathyroidism treated, their calcium levels normalise, their fatigue disappears and they may feel reenergised and this can lead to weight loss.

Most people recover fairly quickly after a parathyroidectomy procedure.

You can expect to go home from hospital the same day or after an overnight stay. This will depend on the extent of your parathyroidectomy procedure.

It is likely that you will experience some pain or discomfort after surgery, such as a sore throat. You can talk straight after your surgery.

can resume normal activities and return to work as soon as you feel able. Some people will take a few days and others take up to two weeks.

A post-operative appointment will be arranged to review your results.

Your blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels will be monitored for at least six months after parathyroidectomy surgery.

You may need to take supplements for up to a year if your calcium levels drop too much after your parathyroid operation or to help rebuild your bones.

The cost of a parathyroidectomy procedure will depend on the exact type of surgery you require and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price after your consultation, and any required tests, with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your parathyroidectomy surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Parathyroidectomy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your operation.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your parathyroidectomy yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment and aftercare you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible payment for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

Patient and staff safety is our priority. All of our Ramsay hospitals have strict protocols to keep you safe from infection, including Covid 19, during your visit.