Restore balance and relief with parathyroid surgery. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs remove overactive parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism, lowering elevated calcium levels that can affect your bones, kidneys, and energy levels.
Correct Overactive Calcium Regulation
Parathyroid surgery is a procedure that removes one or more overactive parathyroid glands to correct high calcium levels in your blood. You have four tiny parathyroid glands that sit near your thyroid and help regulate calcium for healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. When a parathyroid gland becomes overactive, it can disrupt balance. During surgery, your ENT carefully identifies the affected gland and removes it through a small, discreet incision, helping restore normal calcium levels and prevent long-term complications.
What Does Parathyroid Surgery Treat?
Parathyroid surgery treats hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which one or more parathyroid glands become overactive and release excess parathyroid hormone. This hormone imbalance raises calcium levels in your blood, which can quietly affect multiple systems in your body over time. Left untreated, high calcium can weaken bones, strain your kidneys, and interfere with how your muscles and brain function. By correcting the source of the problem, surgery helps restore balance and prevent ongoing damage.
The following symptoms indicate the possibility of hyperparathyroidism:
- Bone thinning or early osteoporosis
- Kidney stones or frequent urination
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Brain fog or decreased alertness
- Joint or bone pain
Benefits of Parathyroid Surgery
Parathyroid surgery addresses the root cause of elevated calcium levels, offering lasting relief. By removing the overactive gland, your body can return to a healthier balance and avoid future complications.
Key benefits may include:
- Restored normal calcium levels
- Protection against bone loss and fractures
- Reduced risk of kidney stones and kidney damage
- Improved energy, focus, and muscle strength
- A small, discreet incision with minimal scarring
Your Parathyroid Surgery Experience
Your parathyroid surgery experience starts with a thorough consultation, during which your ENT reviews your blood tests showing elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, along with imaging to locate the overactive gland. Your surgeon explains exactly which gland is targeted, how it will be identified during surgery, and what results to expect.
During surgery, you’re placed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made low on the neck, and the surgeon carefully separates the tissues to expose the parathyroid glands. The abnormal gland is then carefully removed while the healthy glands are preserved. The incision is closed with fine sutures, and calcium levels often begin correcting within hours.
Parathyroid Surgery FAQs
How Do You Know Which Parathyroid Gland Is Overactive?
Before surgery, blood work confirms elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or specialized scans, help pinpoint the abnormal gland. Hormone levels may also be checked during surgery to confirm the correct gland has been removed.
Will All of My Parathyroid Glands Be Removed?
In most cases, only the overactive gland is removed. You have four parathyroid glands, and the remaining healthy glands are preserved to maintain normal calcium regulation. Removing all glands is uncommon and only done in specific situations.
How Long Does Parathyroid Surgery Take?
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on how easily the abnormal gland is identified and whether more than one gland needs attention. You’ll spend additional time in recovery as the anesthesia wears off.
What Is Recovery Like After Parathyroid Surgery?
Most patients go home the same day or after short monitoring. You may experience mild neck soreness, a hoarse voice, or fatigue for a few days. Normal activities usually resume within a week, with restrictions on heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon.
Will My Calcium Levels Drop Too Low After Surgery?
Temporary low calcium levels can occur as your body adjusts. If this happens, you may experience tingling in your fingers or around your mouth. This is usually short-term and managed with calcium supplements as needed.
Does Parathyroid Surgery Leave a Visible Scar?
The incision is small and placed low on the neck in a natural skin crease. Over time, it typically fades and becomes minimally noticeable for most patients.
How Soon Will I Feel Better After Surgery?
Some symptoms, like fatigue or brain fog, may improve within days, while others, such as bone strength, improve gradually over months as calcium levels stabilize and your body heals.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been caring for our community for more than 40 years. At our medical center, you maintain direct access to experienced ENT surgeons without the long waits often associated with large hospital systems. If you’re suffering from symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, please schedule a consultation with our team in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, to explore your treatment options.
