The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels in the blood. Understanding this surgery is important for patients to make informed treatment decisions and ensure optimal recovery.
Parathyroid surgery removes overactive or abnormal parathyroid glands to restore healthy calcium levels and relieve symptoms including fatigue, bone pain, and mental fog. The procedure is safe, highly effective, and offers lasting recovery with minimal downtime. Evansville Surgical Associates provides advanced, compassionate treatment to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What Is Parathyroid Surgery?
Parathyroid surgery, also known as a parathyroidectomy, is a procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands located in the neck. It’s the definitive treatment for many parathyroid disorders, offering symptom relief and improved health. Complications are rare, making it a safe and reliable solution for most affected individuals.
The primary purpose of this surgery is to treat disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, where overactive glands produce excessive parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. Other conditions, like parathyroid cancer or gland enlargement due to benign growths, may also require removal.
During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision, locates the abnormal gland(s), and carefully removes them while preserving healthy tissue and vital structures. This minimally invasive approach is guided by imaging and hormone monitoring during the procedure to ensure effectiveness and minimize complications.
Benefits of Parathyroid Surgery
Parathyroid surgery offers significant benefits for people suffering from parathyroid disorders, especially primary hyperparathyroidism.
The most immediate benefit is symptom relief, with patients often experiencing improvements in:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Bone and joint pain
This usually occurs within days to weeks after surgery.
The procedure effectively lowers elevated calcium levels, which prevents serious long-term complications such as osteoporosis (bone loss), kidney stones, and, in severe cases, heart problems. By restoring normal calcium balance, parathyroid surgery helps maintain bone density and supports overall kidney health.
The success rate for parathyroidectomy is over 98%, with most patients achieving complete and lasting recovery from their symptoms. Many patients report a noticeable boost in their quality of life and a return to normal activities around a month after the procedure.
Risks and Potential Complications
Parathyroid surgery is a common procedure. Although adverse effects are rare, some risks include bleeding in the neck or infection at the incision site. Damage to nerves in the neck can result in hoarseness or vocal cord problems, though this is uncommon and often temporary.
Specific risks involve hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which can occur if too much parathyroid tissue is removed or damaged. This can lead to symptoms like tingling or muscle cramps. Occasionally, a second operation is needed if hyperparathyroidism persists or recurs.
To minimize these risks, our surgeons monitor nerve function and check calcium levels during and after surgery. Most complications are rare and can be promptly managed with timely intervention.
Recovery Process and Aftercare
Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay following parathyroid surgery. Immediately after the operation, you’ll be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, infection, and especially for low calcium levels, which can cause tingling or muscle cramps.
Full recovery typically takes 1–3 weeks, though many people can return to normal activities within a few days. This depends on the type of surgery you undergo and your individual progress. Temporary soreness at the incision site is common.
Managing side effects often involves taking calcium and sometimes vitamin D supplements, as calcium levels may dip until your body adjusts. It’s important to rest and gradually increase your physical activity by taking short walks. You should also avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least a week. Eating soft foods may be easier during the first day or two.
Contact your doctor if you experience persistent:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Signs of infection
With proper care, you increase your chances of enjoying a full recovery and improved quality of life, with a very good long-term prognosis.
Choose Evansville Surgical Associates for Your Parathyroid Procedure
At Evansville Surgical Associates, we’re committed to state-of-the-art surgical care combined with compassionate, personalized service. Our highly-trained, board-certified surgeons are leaders in the surgical field as well as in our community. They use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce pain and speed recovery.
We collaborate closely with your primary care and rehabilitation specialists to ensure a holistic, patient-centered approach. Dedicated to keeping you comfortable and well-informed, Evansville Surgical Associates offers experienced providers and exceptional care, making us a trusted choice for surgical treatment in the Tri-State area.
Contact us today to learn about parathyroid treatment in Evansville, IN!
Parathyroid surgery removes abnormal glands to balance calcium levels and ease symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, and mental fog. This safe, effective procedure offers lasting relief with minimal downtime, and complications are rare. Evansville Surgical Associates delivers expert, compassionate surgical care to help you feel your best.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
