Hyperparathyroidism

Parathyroid Gland Surgery

There are usually four parathyroid glands which are located next to the thyroid gland in the neck. Rarely, there may be a fifth or sixth gland. Occasionally, one or more parathyroid glands may be located elsewhere in the neck or upper chest region. The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps your body regulate calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone keeps the amount of calcium from falling too low by releasing calcium from the bones, by keeping calcium from being excreted by the kidneys and by increasing calcium absorption from food.

Reasons for Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid surgery is typically performed to treat hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland(s) enlarge and make too much parathyroid hormone. This leads to a rise in calcium levels. The purpose of parathyroid surgery is to locate and remove the abnormal parathyroid gland(s.) Rarely, all four parathyroid glands need to be removed, and sometimes, a portion of one is transplanted into the forearm. The hospital stay for these cases may be more than one night depending on the patient’s calcium level after surgery.