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Laparoscopic Parathyroid Surgery

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located in the neck, bordering the thyroid. These glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulates calcium and phosphorous in the blood and in bones. The two conditions that affect the parathyroid are hyperparathyroidism (too much calcium is made in the body) and hypoparathyroidism (too little calcium is made).

Dignity Health's laparoscopic specialists offer patients the option of minimally invasive laparoscopic parathyroid surgery to remove some or all of the parathyroid glands when they are not functioning properly.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Kidney stones
  • Frequent headaches
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Pain in bones (usually the arms and legs)
  • High blood pressure
  • Inability to concentrate (forgetfulness)
  • Trouble sleeping (taking frequent naps without feeling refreshed)

Hypoparathyroidism includes problems with:

  • Bones
  • Muscles
  • Skin
  • Nerve endings

How Does Laparoscopic Parathyroid Surgery Differ from Traditional Surgery?

In conventional open surgery, a large incision is made so the surgeon can remove the parathyroid glands.

In contrast, Dignity Health surgeons perform minimally invasive laparoscopic parathyroidectomy with only a few small incisions in the abdomen:

  • Small incisions are made in the neck.
  • The surgeon inserts a small camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments through the incisions, and the operating area then can be seen on a large monitor in the operating room.
  • Removal of the gland or glands.
  • A blood test during the surgery confirms that PTH levels have returned to normal and the surgeon closes the incisions.

Laparoscopic parathyroidectomy is performed while you are under local anesthesia and you will only need to stay in the hospital a short time in the hospital before going home.

 

Why Choose Dignity Health for Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Dignity Health’s board-certified surgeons in Sacramento have undergone extensive fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic techniques, including robotic surgery. This combination of skill and technology offers patients a host of potential benefits, including:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Less blood loss, pain and scarring
  • Less risk of infection and post-operative complications

See a Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive laparoscopic parathyroidectomy. For a referral to a Dignity Health specialist, please call 888.253.1704.