The parathyroid glands are pea-sized organs that typically lie behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Most individuals have 4 glands, 2 on each side of their neck. The parathyroids are responsible for regulating calcium levels through their production of parathyroid hormone. This hormone causes calcium to be absorbed into the body both through the intestine, but also from our bones and kidneys.
People with overactive parathyroid glands are at risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, fatigue, constipation, muscle aches, brain fog, and many other symptoms. There are medical treatments available but these do not cure the problem. Definitive treatment is to surgically remove 1 or multiple overactive glands.
Parathyroid Treatment
About Parathyroidectomy
Parathyroid glands are typically the size of a pea, however if overactive they can become the size of a grape or olive. Ideally preoperative workup is able to localize an overactive gland before surgery. Targeted surgery removing the gland from behind the thyroid takes 1.5 hours. However, if a gland is not localized prior to surgery all 4 parathyroids need to be searched for and operations can take up to three or more hours. Once a gland is removed parathyroid hormone levels are checked in the blood to ensure a cure.
Parathyroid Auto Fluorescence Imaging
The size of a Pea, parathyroid glands can often be difficult to find in the complex anatomy of the neck. Research has shown that parathyroid glands fluoresce when targeted with near infra-red light. Using a specialized camera, parathyroid glands can be visualized, protected. This reduces operative time and costs and most importantly reduces the risk of injuring these glands.