Did you receive a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid cancer? If so, you likely have questions, perhaps even apprehension regarding undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Surgeons at The Surgery Group of Los Angeles have the expertise to perform the procedure successfully and quickly get you back to living your life as fully as possible.
Learn about the procedure and gain confidence to have the minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Enjoy a quick recovery and relief from your symptoms.
Why Do Patients Sometimes Need Parathyroid Surgery?
Although the name is similar, the parathyroid glands and thyroid have quite different functions. The four parathyroid glands in your neck, two on each side, sit just behind the thyroid. While the thyroid releases hormones that control metabolism, and regulates several vital body functions, the parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH).
An Endocrineweb article explains, “The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the amount of calcium level in our bodies…so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.” The article author also explains that hyperparathyroidism is the primary major disease of the parathyroid glands.
Another disease affecting parathyroid glands is cancer, which often results in the need for surgery. In recent years, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy became the primary method of surgically removing parathyroid tumors.
How Successful Is Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy?
Researchers discuss success of Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (MIP) in results of a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Researchers considered results of 22 patients undergoing MIP for suspected parathyroid adenoma.
After undergoing the procedure and completing follow-up evaluations, all 22 subjects exhibited a decrease in serum calcium levels, experienced resolution of symptoms within just one week and quickly returned to their normal lifestyle.
Similarly, The Surgeon reports research indicating “Excellent outcomes,” with minimal complications after MIP.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
The surgeon makes a small, nearly unnoticeable incision on your neck, locates and removes the impacted parathyroid gland. Unlike in previous decades when surgery required a larger incision, more complicated surgery and longer recovery period, patients today undergo the MIP while under general anesthesia, wake up to the very small incision, the ability to usually go home within hours and return to a normal lifestyle within about a week.
There is a possibility of experiencing sensation of numbness, tingling, and some pain at the incision site as well as a small amount of swelling. This is normal after the surgery and resolves within a few weeks.
Why Choose The Surgery Group Of Los Angeles?
Surgeons and staff at The Surgery Group Of Los Angeles treat every patient as an individual, offering individualized approach to treatment. Patients receive a comprehensive approach to care, with every effort to get every patient back to living a full life as quickly as possible.
Source
https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/parathyroid/your-parathyroid-glands
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18763394
http://www.thesurgeon.net/article/S1479-666X(07)80029-1/pdf
