Parathyroid Surgery
The parathyroid glands are tiny glands, located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland and are usually four in number. Each gland is about the size of a grain of rice (weighs approximately 30 milligrams and is 3-4 millimeters in diameter). The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) that help control calcium and phosphate balance, so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.
When the parathyroid glands are hyperactive the blood calcium levels become too high. This is known as hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism can be a cause for kidney stones, weak bones, pancreatitis and even psychiatric problems. The treatment for this disease is the surgical removal of the offending parathyroid gland or glands. Some patients may require calcium supplements after surgery.
Rarely, hyperparathyroidism can result from cancer of the parathyroid gland. This cancer requires surgical removal of the cancerous parathyroid, as well as the thyroid tissue on the same side as the cancer.
Hypoparathyroidism may present with symptoms associated with decreased calcium and is generally treated with Vitamin D analogues.
Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism and provides a cure in about 95 percent of all cases. A surgeon will remove only those glands that are enlarged or have a tumor (adenoma). If all four glands are affected, a surgeon will likely remove only three glands and perhaps a portion of the fourth, leaving some functioning parathyroid tissue.