Parathyroid Surgery
Specialized treatment for hyperparathyroidism.
Surgical care focused on hyperparathyroidism, symptom improvement, and patient education.
Parathyroid Surgery Overview
Parathyroid surgery (parathyroidectomy) removes one or more overactive parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism and elevated calcium levels.
When abnormal calcium levels begin affecting bone health, kidney function, energy levels, or overall well-being, surgery may be the most effective treatment. Our team carefully reviews your symptoms, laboratory results, imaging studies, and overall health to determine whether parathyroid surgery is the right option for you.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism
- Elevated calcium levels
- Overactive parathyroid glands
- Kidney stones related to calcium imbalance
- Bone loss associated with parathyroid disease
- Osteoporosis related to hyperparathyroidism
- Symptoms related to abnormal calcium regulation
When Surgery Is Recommended
Parathyroid surgery may be recommended when:
- Calcium levels remain elevated
- Laboratory findings support hyperparathyroidism
- Kidney stones develop
- Bone density declines
- Fatigue affects daily activities
- Muscle weakness develops
- Symptoms continue despite medical management
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, parathyroid treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, anatomy, laboratory findings, imaging studies, and treatment goals. Advanced localization techniques and thoughtful surgical planning help guide treatment decisions and support optimal outcomes. The Clarus Surgery team provides education, preparation guidance, and follow-up support before and after surgery.
Have questions about parathyroid surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Parathyroid Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Parathyroid Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking immediately after surgery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary sore throat, hoarseness, mild swallowing discomfort, and fatigue are common during recovery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Calcium & Medication Guidance
Following surgery, all patients will require calcium. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, laboratory results, and individual treatment needs.
Signs of Low Calcium
Low calcium levels may occasionally occur following parathyroid surgery. Symptoms may include:
- Tingling or numbness of the fingers
- Numbness around the lips
- Muscle cramping
- Facial twitching
If symptoms occur, follow your post-operative instructions and contact the Clarus Surgery team if symptoms persist or worsen.
Long-Term Calcium Needs
Calcium supplementation recommendations vary based on surgical findings, laboratory results, and recovery progress. Some patients may be advised to continue calcium supplementation as part of their recovery plan.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Painful swallowing
- Coughing up blood or persistent bleeding
- Significant swelling of the neck or throat
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach Dr. Porterfield or one of his partners who is on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a parathyroid surgeon?
A parathyroid surgeon may evaluate patients with hyperparathyroidism, elevated calcium levels, kidney stones, bone health concerns, or symptoms related to abnormal calcium regulation. Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team evaluate symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging studies, and treatment options to determine whether surgery may be appropriate.
What conditions does a parathyroid surgeon treat?
Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team evaluate and treat:
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Elevated calcium levels
- Parathyroid adenomas
- Kidney stones related to calcium imbalance
- Bone health concerns associated with hyperparathyroidism
Treatment recommendations vary based on diagnosis and surgical evaluation.
Will I need calcium supplements after parathyroid surgery?
Most patients need temporary calcium supplementation and vitamin D replacement during recovery to restore balanced, healthy levels in their bodies.
How long does recovery take after parathyroid surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and the individual’s healing. Walking is encouraged within the first 1–3 days after surgery, and most patients are able to return to full-time work within 1–3 weeks. The Clarus Surgery team will provide personalized recovery guidance before and after your procedure.
What should I expect after parathyroid surgery?
Temporary soreness, fatigue, mild discomfort, and temporary calcium-related symptoms may occur during recovery. The Clarus Surgery team provides detailed recovery instructions, follow-up support, and guidance throughout the healing process.
