PARATHYROIDECTOMY

A parathyroidectomy is a surgical technique that is used for the complete or partial excision (removal) of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four glands found behind the thyroid gland, and whose function is the production of a hormone called PTH (parathyroid hormone), which regulates calcium metabolism in the body.

The most frequent cause of intervention is hyperparathyroidism (overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess PTH), or when the parathyroid glands increase in size, medical treatment does not regularize the situation, or they present some characteristics, such as the suspicion of a malignant tumor, thus calling for their removal.

Also, the patient may present hyperparathyroidism along with other diseases or more complex syndromes, such that treatment may include the removal of the parathyroid glands.

A parathyroidectomy may be partial, removing only one of the four glands, or complete, removing all four. Where all four are removed, the patient will need medication as a substitute, on a continuous basis, to preserve the function performed by the glands before the surgery.

The intervention is performed under general anesthesia, through an incision made horizontally, about three centimeters from the base of the neck, following a natural skin fold so the scar, for aesthetic purposes, will show as little as possible. In some cases, lymph nodes near the gland may have to be removed during the same intervention, thus needing a longer incision.

After the intervention, sequential tests are performed to control blood calcium levels to avoid complications. If the levels are low or there are signs of numbness, paraesthesia or cramps, medical treatment must be given as soon as possible.