Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more parathyroid glands, which are vital for regulating calcium levels in your body. It’s performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, an overactive condition leading to excessive calcium levels. If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, or kidney stones, schedule your consultation with our fellowship-trained head and neck surgeons in Alaska today.
Treat Hyperparathyroidism
& Restore Calcium Levels
Parathyroidectomy is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing hyperparathyroidism, a condition characterized by overactive parathyroid glands. These small glands, located near the thyroid, play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in your body. When they become hyperactive, they produce excess parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to elevated calcium levels in your blood. This can result in fatigue, weakness, kidney stones, and bone pain.
During a parathyroidectomy, the surgeon carefully removes one or more of these glands to restore normal calcium levels and alleviate symptoms. This procedure is often minimally invasive, requiring small incisions and specialized techniques to locate and remove the affected glands while preserving surrounding tissues. After surgery, patients typically experience significant relief from symptoms and improved overall health.
Parathyroidectomy Treats:
- Hyperparathyroidism (overactivity of the parathyroid glands)
- High levels of calcium in the blood
- Fatigue and weakness
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Kidney stones
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Depression or mood swings
- Other symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
Advantages of Parathyroidectomy:
- Restores normal calcium levels in the body
- Alleviates symptoms associated with hyperparathyroidism
- Reduces the risk of complications such as kidney stones and osteoporosis
- Improves overall quality of life and well-being
- Minimally invasive techniques available, leading to shorter recovery times
- Potential to prevent further damage to organs caused by elevated calcium levels
- Offers a long-term solution for managing hyperparathyroidism
- May decrease the need for medications to control calcium levels
- Enhances bone health and reduces the risk of fractures
Parathyroidectomy FAQs
How do I know if I need a parathyroidectomy?
If you’re experiencing fatigue, weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, frequent urination, or other symptoms associated with hyperparathyroidism, please consult our head and neck surgeons. They will conduct tests to measure your calcium and PTH levels and imaging studies like ultrasound to locate any abnormalities in the parathyroid glands. Based on the results, they can determine whether a parathyroidectomy is necessary.
What are the risks associated with parathyroidectomy?
Like any surgical procedure, parathyroidectomy carries certain risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (which controls your vocal cords) or the thyroid gland, and the possibility of developing hypoparathyroidism (low calcium levels) if all parathyroid tissue is removed. However, with advancements in surgical techniques and the expertise of our fellowship-trained surgeons, these risks are minimal.
What is the recovery process like after a parathyroidectomy?
The recovery process varies from person to person but generally involves a few days of rest followed by a gradual return to normal activities. You may experience some discomfort or swelling in the neck region, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Will I need to take medication after the surgery?
In some cases, especially if you’ve developed hypoparathyroidism or if your calcium levels are still not within the normal range after surgery, you may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Your surgeon will monitor your calcium levels closely and adjust your medication regimen as needed to maintain optimal levels.
Will I have a scar after the surgery?
The incision made for a parathyroidectomy is small and well-concealed within a natural skin crease in the neck. With proper wound care, the scar fades and becomes barely noticeable.
When can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
Many patients experience relief from symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and bone pain shortly after surgery, although it may take some time for calcium levels to stabilize. Your surgeon will monitor your progress closely and provide guidance on managing any lingering symptoms.
Schedule
Your Consultation
Alaska Facial Plastic Surgery and ENT is the premier destination for parathyroidectomy in Alaska. Our elite team of surgeons, with fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, advanced head and neck oncology, and rhinology/skullbase surgery, offers unparalleled care for each patient. We collaborate closely to tailor a personalized treatment plan and ensure optimal outcomes. Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards restoring your health and vitality with our skilled team.
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