Parathyroidectomy: Overview
Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove one or more of the four parathyroid glands in the neck. These small glands help control the amount of calcium in the body. They are found on the back of the thyroid gland. When they are too active, these glands cause high levels of calcium. This is called hyperparathyroidism (say "hy-per-pair-uh-THY-royd-iz-um"). The glands also are removed if they contain cancer.
The doctor will take out the gland or glands through a cut in the front of your neck. This cut is called an incision. You may have a tube in your neck for 1 to 4 days. The tube drains fluid from the incision.
You may be able to go back to work or your normal routine after a few weeks. This depends on the kind of work you do and how you feel.
After parathyroidectomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- You have severe trouble breathing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have blood leaking from your incision.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- You have a tingling feeling around your mouth.
- You have cramping or tingling in your hands and feet.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have trouble talking.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot keep fluids down.
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
How do you prepare for a parathyroidectomy?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
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