The parathyroid glands are four small glands in the neck next to the thyroid gland that are part of the endocrine system. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which maintains calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. The primary disease associated with the parathyroids is overproduction of PTH (hyperparathyroidism), which causes elevated blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). This is often found on a routine blood test and is initially evaluated with your primary care physician or endocrinologist. Ultrasound and Sestamibi SPECT CT imaging are often used to determine which gland is overproducing PTH.
Radio-Guided Parathyroidectomy
In most cases of hyperparathyroidism, only one gland has to be removed, and a procedure called minimally-invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) can be performed. MIRP requires a smaller incision and has a very high success rate. The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes and you may return home within one to two hours. You will be able to resume your normal activities after a few days.