Parathyroid Surgery

## Condition Overview Parathyroid surgery treats hyperparathyroidism, where one or more of the four parathyroid glands produce excess hormone, raising calcium levels. Dr Cao performs minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, precisely localising and removing the abnormal gland to restore normal calcium balance. The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid that regulate calcium levels in the body. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of these glands becomes overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). ### Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism: - Fatigue and weakness - Bone pain and osteoporosis - Kidney stones - Abdominal pain and constipation - Depression, poor concentration, and memory problems - High blood calcium levels on blood tests ## Surgical Approach Parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Dr Cao offers: - **Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP)** — a focused, small-incision approach when the abnormal gland is localised on pre-operative imaging (sestamibi scan, ultrasound, or 4D CT) - **Bilateral neck exploration** — when imaging does not clearly localise the abnormal gland, all four glands are examined Intraoperative PTH monitoring is used to confirm that the abnormal gland has been removed and calcium levels return to normal. ## What to Expect ### Before Surgery - Pre-operative localisation imaging (sestamibi scan, neck ultrasound, and/or 4D CT parathyroid scan) - Blood tests including calcium, PTH, and vitamin D levels - Bone density scan if indicated ### During Surgery - Most cases are performed as minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with a 2-3 cm incision - Surgery takes approximately 30-60 minutes - Intraoperative PTH levels are checked to confirm cure during the procedure ### Recovery - Most patients go home the same day or after 1 night in hospital - Calcium levels are monitored post-operatively - Rapid improvement in symptoms within days to weeks - Low risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or permanent hypoparathyroidism