What happens at your appointment:
- get a GP referral
- Call us to make an appointment
- Depending on the urgency, we can try to accommodate you for an early appointment
- if you send us an email, we will try to respond by 48 hours
Parathyroid Surgery
Surgery for parathyroid disease requires experience, sound clinical judgement and meticulous surgical technique. Having researched and published on parathyroid disease, Dr Yew is dedicated to providing you with the optimal surgical treatment to achieve cure of your parathyroid disease.
Anatomy
The parathyroid glands are situated at the 4 corners of the thyroid gland. These small glands (size of a rice grain), secrete parathyroid hormone which is important for controlling the calcium levels in your bloodstream and your bones.
Hyperparathyroidism represents gland enlargement and excess secretion of parathyroid hormone. Surgical removal (parathyroidectomy) of the diseased parathyroid gland/s is indicated to reduce the progressive damage to your bones, kidneys and for symptom relief.
How is the surgery done?
Majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have a single enlarged parathyroid gland, and excision of the abnormal gland cures the disease. A smaller proportion of patients have multiple abnormal glands that require removal to achieve a cure.
Parathyroidectomy performed via a minimally invasive; neck exploration; or Scarless transoral endoscopic approach are all effective techniques. The optimal approach for your parathyroidectomy needs to be individualised to your personal circumstances.
Dr Yew performs in house ultrasound examination, which enhances surgical precision, and serves as an adjunct to optimise your clinical outcomes.
What are the risks?
Parathyroidectomy is an extremely safe operation. The risk of bleeding, infection, or voice change is less than 1%. After curative parathyroidectomy, there is a small risk of a fall in your calcium level in the bloodstream. Therefore, temporary supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D may be necessary.
What to expect after surgery?
Most patients stay overnight in hospital after parathyroidectomy. The surgery is usually not painful and simple analgesics are advised for the first week as necessary. Some soft swelling and bruising at and around the wound can occur.
Please contact your hospital or Dr. Yew if there is any sudden development of swelling in the neck.
You must refrain from exercise and strenuous activity for 3 weeks after surgery. If you are unsure when to return for review with Dr. Yew, please call the office to schedule an appointment
