Parathyroid Surgery

Greenwich Hospital offers expert surgical treatment for conditions related to the parathyroid glands.

Four small parathyroid glands are located in the neck, typically behind the larger single thyroid gland. Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) that help regulate calcium levels in the blood and bones.

The most common parathyroid disorder is hyperparathyroidism which occurs when at least one parathyroid gland produces excessive PTH and disrupts the regulation of calcium in the blood. Blood tests that show abnormally high PTH and high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) are indicators for hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis can be made by a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Left untreated, abnormally high calcium can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney stones, and osteoporosis.

Patients with hyperparathyroidism commonly have a tumor on more than one parathyroid gland. Almost all parathyroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous). According to the National Cancer Institute, parathyroid cancer is one of the rarest forms of human cancer, with less than 100 cases per year in the U.S.

Parathyroid Surgery

Conditions where parathyroid surgery (parathyroidectomy) may be warranted:

• Tumor on one or more parathyroid glands
• Enlarged parathyroid gland(s)

Same-Day Parathyroid Surgery at Greenwich Hospital

All parathyroid surgical procedures are same-day surgeries performed at Greenwich Hospital. Our expert surgeons use minimally invasive techniques that allow patients to recover faster. Our expert surgeons use minimally invasive techniques with the smallest incisions needed. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.