Do you sometimes have joint pain for no reason? Do you feel like you have no energy, just tired? Do you sometimes feel nauseous, dizzy, or have a hard time thinking? We often dismiss these symptoms as normal. But have you ever thought that the cause of all this could be some small glands, like four bones in our neck? That's what we're talking about today.
What are these parathyroid glands?
Simply put, the parathyroid glands are four very small glands located in our neck, behind the thyroid gland. Some people may have more or fewer than four. Their main function is to control the level of calcium in our blood. This calcium is essential for keeping our bones strong and for the nervous system and muscles to function properly. So these small glands play a very important role in maintaining the calcium balance in our body.
Why is surgery needed to remove these glands?
Sometimes one or more of these parathyroid glands become overactive. They then produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This condition is called hyperparathyroidism . When this happens, the calcium level in the blood becomes dangerously high. This is when a surgery called a parathyroidectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the overactive gland or glands, is needed.
There may be several main reasons for this:
| Reason | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Parathyroid adenoma | This is a non-cancerous tumor that forms in a parathyroid gland. This is the most common condition. |
| Parathyroid hyperplasia | Here, several or all four glands enlarge and produce too many hormones. |
| Parathyroid cancer | This is a very rare situation. |
Sometimes hyperparathyroidism can be caused by another medical condition, such as kidney disease. Doctors call this secondary hyperparathyroidism.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Before the surgery, your doctor will give you all the instructions you need. However, it is very important to ask all the questions you have. For example, don't forget to ask about:
- Do I have to fast the morning of the surgery?
- Do I need to take my usual medications and vitamins that day or not?
- Do I need someone to take me home after the surgery?
It will be a great convenience for you to know these things in advance.
How the surgery is performed and its benefits
Nowadays, surgeons use different methods to perform this operation. There are traditional methods, as well as minimally invasive methods and sometimes scarless methods, in which an incision is made inside the mouth and the scar is not visible on the outside . Your doctor will explain to you the method that is best for you. If an incision is made in the neck, it is placed along the crease of the neck, so the scar is much less visible later.
During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia so you will not feel any discomfort. The doctor will remove the affected gland or glands and sew the incision back together. This surgery usually takes about an hour.
What are the benefits of this surgery?
This surgery can greatly improve your quality of life. Once your blood calcium levels return to normal, your previously bothersome symptoms will disappear.
| Improving symptoms | Risk factors for disease |
|---|---|
| Joint pain | Kidney stones |
| Muscle weakness | Osteoporosis |
| Nausea and fatigue | Heart problems |
| Confusion of mind | - |
After surgery and its risks
You will be able to go home the same day or the next day after surgery. You can eat and drink normally, but if you have any sore throat, it is best to eat liquids or soft foods for a day or two. Walking is fine, but avoid exercising until your doctor gives you permission.
You may need to take calcium pills for a while until the remaining glands begin to function properly after the removed glands are removed.
Are there any risks to the surgery?
Parathyroidectomy is generally very safe, but like any surgery, there are some risks.
- Short-term risks: Sore throat, hoarseness, infection, and a collection of blood under the skin near the incision (hematoma). If these occur, your doctor can easily treat them.
- Long-term risks: Although rare, some people may experience long-term problems.
- Hungry bone syndrome: If the remaining glands do not function properly after surgery, a condition in which calcium levels in the blood continue to be low (chronic `hypocalcemia`) may occur.
- Recurrent hyperparathyroidism: This disease can recur due to the hyperactivity of another gland remaining after surgery.
But remember, this surgery has a success rate of over 95% . In fact, it is the only curative treatment for hyperparathyroidism.
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery, call your doctor immediately.
- Fever higher than 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius).
- Pain that does not subside even after taking medication.
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or warmth around the incision.
- Symptoms of calcium deficiency, such as numbness, muscle twitching, or extreme fatigue.
Most importantly: If you experience any difficulty breathing, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
It can take one to three weeks to fully recover, but you should be able to return to normal activities within a few days. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Take-Home Message
- Parathyroidectomy is a safe and highly successful surgery that removes overactive parathyroid glands that raise calcium levels in your body.
- This surgery helps relieve symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and mental confusion, and reduces the risk of diseases such as kidney stones and bone thinning.
- This is not a major surgery, and the recovery time is short.
- If you develop any problems after surgery, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Before making any decisions regarding your health, always consult with your doctor.
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