Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

 

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in the front of the neck and play essential roles in regulating metabolism, calcium balance, bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being. Disorders affecting these glands are common and may require surgical treatment when medical management is no longer appropriate or when there is concern for cancer or other complications.

 

Thyroid Surgery

 

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart function, and body temperature. Thyroid surgery is performed to treat a variety of conditions including thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, suspicious biopsy findings, enlarged thyroid glands (goiters), and certain cases of hyperthyroidism.

 

Patients are often referred for thyroid evaluation after an abnormal ultrasound, a thyroid nodule discovered during a physical examination, a suspicious needle biopsy, difficulty swallowing, neck pressure, voice changes, or findings concerning for thyroid cancer.

 

Depending on the condition, surgery may involve removal of one side of the thyroid gland (thyroid lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy). The procedure is performed under general anesthesia through a carefully placed incision in the lower neck. Most patients return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Recovery typically involves mild soreness and temporary neck discomfort, with most patients resuming normal activities within one to two weeks.

 

Parathyroid Surgery

 

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland that regulate calcium levels in the blood. When one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, they produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone, resulting in a condition known as hyperparathyroidism.

 

Hyperparathyroidism may cause elevated calcium levels and symptoms such as fatigue, kidney stones, osteoporosis, bone pain, muscle weakness, memory difficulties, depression, abdominal discomfort, and generalized fatigue. In many cases, the condition is discovered during routine blood testing before symptoms become severe.

 

Parathyroid surgery is performed to remove the abnormal gland or glands responsible for the hormone imbalance. Prior to surgery, specialized laboratory testing and imaging studies are used to identify the overactive gland whenever possible. The procedure is typically performed through a small incision in the neck using modern minimally invasive techniques.

 

Most patients go home the same day and experience a rapid improvement in calcium regulation. Recovery is generally straightforward, with many patients returning to normal activities within several days.

 

What to Expect

 

Our practice provides comprehensive evaluation and management of both thyroid and parathyroid disorders. We carefully review laboratory studies, imaging results, pathology reports, symptoms, and overall health to develop an individualized treatment plan. Our goal is to provide safe, effective surgical care while preserving normal function, minimizing discomfort, and helping patients achieve the best possible long-term outcome.

 

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, elevated calcium levels, or another endocrine disorder requiring surgical evaluation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your condition and treatment options.