Parathyroid glands are small components of the endocrine system, located just behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Parathyroid glands control calcium levels in the body. We have four of them, each about the size of a grain of rice. When they produce too much of the calcium regulating hormone, a condition known as hyperparathyroidism, we begin to experience a calcium build up in the body. Too much calcium in the blood can lead to a host of maladies, including problems with the bones, muscles, nervous system, and kidneys. The severity of symptoms doesn’t always coincide with the level of calcium in the body.
There are no medications available that effectively treat these thyroid conditions. Because a diseased or malfunctioning parathyroid gland will not get better on its own, surgical removal is often a patient’s only recourse. The procedure, known as a parathyroidectomy, will remove some or all of the parathyroid glands, depending on the severity of the condition and which glands are affected.
Traditional parathyroidectomies were extremely invasive procedures that often required the surgeon to make a large incision in the neck in order to explore the area of the parathyroid to look for the problematic gland or glands. This invasive technique caused the patient a considerable amount of pain post-op and made for an extended recovery time. Complications from the procedure were also more common with the traditional methods.
Thanks to the implementation of new techniques, specialty surgeons like Dr. Larian are now able to perform a Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (MIP). The newer method utilizes advanced technology imaging tools such as a high resolution ultrasound to locate the problematic gland before making the first incision. Dr. Larian also incorporates intra-operative hormone testing to ensure that the patient is responding to the procedure and that hormone levels are dropping appropriately.
Because a MIP allow the surgeon to operate with more precision that before, parathyroidectomy procedures can now be performed via an incision of only a few centimeters, as opposed to several inches in traditional parathyroidectomies. Some MIPs can even be performed under local anesthesia, allowing some patients to return home the same day.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, schedule a consultation with Dr. Larian today for testing and a diagnosis. If a problematic parathyroid condition is found, he can discuss various treatment options with you and determine whether you may be good candidate for an MIP.