Parathyroidectomy

Medical Author: James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

• What are the parathyroid glands?
• What is a parathyroidectomy?
• What is hyperparathyroidism?
• What causes hyperparathyroidism?
• When is a parathyroidectomy necessary and how is it performed?
• What are the risks of parathyroidectomy?
• What are the possible complications of parathyroidectomy?
• What else do you need to know before parathyroidectomy?
• What about care after parathyroidectomy?
• When should I contact the doctor?

What are the parathyroid glands?

The parathyroid glands are four, small, pea-shaped glands that are located in the neck on either side of the trachea (the main airway) and next to the thyroid gland. In most cases there are two glands on each side of the trachea, an inferior and a superior gland. Fewer than four or more than four glands may be present, and sometimes a gland(s) may be in an unusual location. The function of the parathyroid glands is to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), a hormone that helps regulate calcium within the body.

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