Parathyroid gland removal

Parathyroid gland removal, also known as parathyroidectomy, is a procedure to surgically remove one or more of your parathyroid glands. The procedure may be needed when these glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), which causes your blood calcium levels to rise. This can lead to kidney stones and damage to your bones, blood vessels, and heart.

Penn Medicine’s endocrinology specialists can evaluate you to determine if any of your parathyroid glands are overactive and whether surgery is the best treatment for you. If a parathyroidectomy is recommended, you can trust our experienced surgeons to use the latest, evidence-based techniques to perform the procedure. We also support you through every step—before, during, and after your surgery.

Your doctor may recommend the removal of one or more of your parathyroid glands if you have hyperparathyroidism, which occurs when the gland overproduces PTH. Most people have four tiny parathyroid glands in their neck. These glands release PTH to regulate the amount of calcium in your blood to help your body function properly. When one or more parathyroid glands becomes overactive and produces more PTH than needed, your blood calcium levels rise. This can cause bone pain, vomiting, fatigue, chest pain, and other symptoms.

The type of hyperparathyroidism you have can determine if surgery is right for you: 

• Primary hyperparathyroidism: Your gland may become overactive if it’s enlarged or if there’s a small growth on the gland. Surgery to remove the overactive gland can cure this type of hyperparathyroidism.
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism: This type occurs when another condition, like chronic kidney disease, causes your parathyroid glands to release higher than normal levels of PTH. You’ll often need other therapies to treat this condition, but your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your parathyroid glands if those treatments don’t relieve your symptoms.

Before your surgery, your doctor may order blood work and imaging tests. Your health care team will give you complete instructions on how to prepare, including when to stop eating and drinking, as well as which medications you should take before your appointment.

On the day of your surgery:

• You’ll be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure. Sometimes local anesthesia is used, depending on the type of parathyroidectomy your surgeon will perform.
• One or more small cuts will be made in your neck under your Adam’s apple or inside your mouth.
• The overactive parathyroid glands are removed.
• Your blood may be tested to ensure there are no more overactive glands remaining.
• The incision will be closed with stitches.

Most people go home the same day after surgery. You’ll need to rest for a few days, eat soft foods, and keep the surgical area clean and dry. Your doctor will let you know when you can restart any medications you stopped before surgery. You also might need calcium supplements for a short time. Lab tests will allow your doctor to monitor your blood calcium levels. If they’re low, you may experience numbness and tingling in your mouth. Let your doctor know if you have these symptoms or any other concerns after surgery. It may take around three weeks to fully heal from the procedure.

Removing overactive parathyroid glands can rebalance your calcium levels, relieve your symptoms, and help you feel better. Penn Medicine’s surgeons have extensive experience performing procedures like parathyroidectomies, meaning you’ll receive the most advanced care. We also support you through your recovery, including monitoring your calcium levels during follow-up visits to ensure they’re returning to healthy levels. Our experts design your care to meet your individual needs, so that your treatment can improve your long-term health and help you fully enjoy life.