If you have abnormal parathyroid glands, you likely need parathyroid surgery. But what is parathyroid surgery, and are there any risks you should consider? In this detailed article on parathyroid surgery, you’ll learn about the benefits and potential risks of this procedure and what you can expect.
In order to get the best results, you will also want to seek out a skilled professional. If you’re in the area and looking for the best experts, we recommend a general surgeon in Wellington.
So, what is parathyroid surgery? What does the recovery look like? Keep on reading to find out the rest.
What is Parathyroid Surgery?
In short, parathyroid surgery or parathyroidectomy is when a surgeon removes one or more abnormal parathyroid glands. Traditionally, this procedure involves making a tiny incision in the front of the patient’s neck. However, nowadays, experts perform transoral surgery (through the patient’s mouth), leaving zero scars.
Who Needs Parathyroid Surgery?
There are four parathyroid glands, each located behind the patient’s thyroid gland. Hormones from these parathyroid glands help regulate the blood levels of minerals such as calcium. Therefore, a patient with abnormal parathyroid glands will require parathyroid surgery. Namely, when the parathyroid glands become overactive, the person develops hyperparathyroidism. This means that the patient will have high calcium in the blood.
But why is high calcium in the blood a bad thing? In brief, hypercalcemia or high calcium in the blood can cause bone weakness, kidney stones, and it can also interfere with brain and heart function. Moreover, hypercalcemia can lead to digestive system issues such as vomiting, nausea, and constipation.
Benefits of Parathyroid Surgery
As with any surgery, you can expect benefits and drawbacks. Since the surgeon will remove the abnormal parathyroid gland, you won’t have high calcium levels in the blood anymore. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the long and short-term consequences of high calcium levels.
On the downside, there are a few drawbacks to this procedure. For example, you may experience side effects such as numbness in the face, blood loss, and infection. But, of course, if you choose a reliable expert and a reputable clinic, you won’t have to think about any of these side effects. So, make sure that you choose your surgeon wisely.
After the procedure, patients typically remain in the hospital overnight and go home the following day. As mentioned, you may experience some numbness in the face. Overall, any tingling and numbness should go away quickly. However, if the numbness in the face does not get better (even with a calcium supplement), it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Moreover, we recommend calling your doctor if you develop a fever.
Some risks of parathyroidectomy may include:
- Sore throat
- Voice changes such as hoarseness
- Low blood calcium levels
- Injury to the trachea or the esophagus
- Blood clots and bleeding
Again, choose a surgeon carefully.
What Can I Expect from Parathyroid Surgery?
Before parathyroid surgery, your doctor will order laboratory and imaging tests, including an ultrasound, examination of your vocal cords, bone density screening, urinalysis, and a blood test.
Before the procedure, the experts may give you antibiotics to prevent infections. Antibiotics are typically administered to people with immune system problems or similar conditions. Sometimes, you may also receive medicines to reduce the chances of vomiting and nausea.
There are two types: traditional and transoral procedures.
If you are undergoing traditional parathyroidectomy, you will receive general anesthesia. This means that the procedure is entirely pain-free.
While the first type of procedure may leave a scar, the latter (transoral) does not.
Schedule an Appointment Today
As you can see, parathyroidectomy has many phenomenal benefits and some drawbacks. That’s why you must choose reputable professionals with years of experience. Our team will dedicate themselves to providing you with the best results possible. So give us a ring today.
