Parathyroidectomy

Why is parathyroidectomy done? Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove the parathyroid gland or glands affected by tumour and causing hyperparathyroidism How is parathyroidectomy done? An incision is made in the front of the neck and the gland or glands with disease are identified and diagnosed, by sending a sample for immediate biopsy. On confirmation the glands are removed and the incision is closed.

Alternatively the procedure can be done through a minimally invasive procedure in which

• The patient is given a very small dose of a radioactive material which is collected in overactive parathyroid glands differentiating it from the other structures in the neck. 
• The glands are easily located and removed with the help of a miniature hand-held radiation detecting probe.
• The probe is used again to confirm the removal of radioactive tumour after which the incision is sutured.