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Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroidectomy is the surgery to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands in a patient who has hyperparathyroidism.

Depend on Dr. Jane Harding for Cutting-Edge Parathyroid Surgery

The four parathyroid glands are situated near the thyroid, each the size of a rice grain. These glands release parathyroid hormone (PTH). This parathormone is a peptide hormone controlling calcium levels in the bloodstream and regulating serum calcium concentration in the small intestine, kidneys, and bones, essential for proper nerve and muscle function.

Although found adjacent to the thyroid gland, parathyroid and thyroid functioning is unrelated. When this mechanism goes wrong, abnormal calcium levels can create various problems, including weakness, fatigue, kidney stones, and brittle bones. These conditions can be treated with supplements, medication, or parathyroid surgery.

Parathyroid Surgery

Which Conditions Could Require Parathyroid Gland Removal?

When the glands produce too little PTH, hypoparathyroidism occurs. This results in low blood calcium levels, negatively impacting nerves, muscles, and other functioning. The standard treatment for hypoparathyroidism involves Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium supplementation.

In contrast, hyperparathyroidism happens when the parathyroid glands overproduce PTH. This situation can cause reduced kidney function or painful kidney stones, osteoporosis and bone fractures, increased stomach acid and ulcers, pancreatitis and heart disease. Patients may suffer tiredness, foggy brain, constipation, frequent urination, anxiety, and depression.

Treating this condition can be as straightforward as replacing Vitamin D. However, when the glands are diseased, such as with an adenoma (a small benign tumour), you may require surgery to remove one or more of them.

Surgery

How Are Parathyroid Disorders Diagnosed?

Dr. Harding will take your history and discuss symptoms. Please bring your recent reports and scans with relevant results to share as much information as possible. Then, she'll conduct a comprehensive physical exam of your neck and head with thorough blood testing. The workup doesn't require imaging ot this stage, but the doctor may order these later should the lab tests reveal a parathyroid concern.

What does Parathyroid Surgery Involved?

After placing you under a general anaesthetic, Dr. Jane will make a small – 5 to 10cm (2 to 4-inch) – surgical incision under your Adam’s apple. She’ll then locate and examine the four parathyroid glands, removing the diseased ones. Alternatively, a minimally invasive, video-assisted, or endoscopic parathyroidectomy may be possible, depending on your situation.

Then she will order a blood test while you’re still under sedation to confirm whether she’s removed all the diseased organs. Should all the glands require removal, Jane may transplant one into your forearm or next to the thyroid gland to help maintain healthy calcium levels. You’ll be asked to stick to liquids and soft foods for a day or so, with recovery usually taking one or two weeks. 

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Jane Harding Dr. Jane Harding Today

Dr. Jan Harding is a specialist, accredited endocrine consultant and surgeon with over 15 years of experience in parathyroid, thyroid, and adrenal disorders. So, suppose you recognise any of the symptoms discussed here. In that case, you may have a parathyroid condition requiring specialist treatment or parathyroid surgery in Melbourne. Dr. Jane can assist at St Vincent’s Private or Public Hospital, St Vincent’s Public Hospital, The Austin, or Warringal Private Hospital. Contact Dr. Harding for a full assessment.

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Frequently asked questions

Got a question about the thyroid or parathyroid glands, their functions, common disorders, or treatment options? View more Q&A here.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones (T3 & T4) that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and overall body functions, Whereas, the parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located behind the thyroid. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

Thyroid Disorders:
  • Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, depression
  • Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, tremors.
Parathyroid Disorders:
  • Hyperparathyroidism: Weak bones, kidney stones, fatigue, joint pain
  • Hypoparathyroidism: Muscle cramps, tingling, brittle nails, seizures

Blood tests (TSH, T3, T4, calcium, PTH levels), ultrasound, and sometimes biopsy or scans.

  • Thyroid disorders: Medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery
  • Parathyroid disorders: Surgery (for overactive glands), calcium and vitamin D supplements (for underactive glands).

Yes, a balanced diet, stress management, regular check-ups, and prescribed medications help maintain thyroid and parathyroid health.