Parathyroid Surgery in Palm Harbor, FL

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland. The main function of the parathyroid glands is to produce the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous in your body.

Common Parathyroid Disorders

If your parathyroid glands produce too much or too little PTH, it disrupts the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which can cause non-cancerous, hyperactive conditions. Parathyroid conditions include:

• Hyperparathyroidism - Hyperparathyroidism is caused by your body producing too much parathyroid hormone. This condition can present itself in two ways: primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
  • Primary hyperparathyroidism is an overproduction due to parathyroid adenoma, hyperplasia and carcinoma. It is typically diagnosed with a 24-hour urine collection to test calcium levels.
  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a response from low blood calcium levels and high phosphorous levels. Symptoms of the condition include thirst, loss of appetite, constipation, joint pain and depression. The most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is kidney failure. Other causes include aluminum poisoning, malnutrition and rickets.
  • Persistent hyperparathyroidism means that calcium levels never balanced out after the problem was identified and treated. Continued treatment is necessary with persistent hyperparathyroidism.
  • Recurrent hyperparathyroidism is when the problem represents itself no less that six months after the initial treatment or procedure is done. Like persistent hyperparathyroidism, ongoing treatment is necessary.
• Hypoparathyroidism - Hypoparathyroidism is caused by an underactive parathyroid, which results in low calcium and phosphorous levels. Common symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include muscle cramps, pain, difficulty walking, seizures, dry skin, loss of memory and nervousness.

Parathyroid Surgery Options

Gulfcoast Ear, Nose & Throat offers minimally invasive parathyroid surgery options to treat all parathyroid conditions. Our minimally invasive procedures reduce your hospital stay, reduce recovery time and leave minimal scarring to no scarring. Minimally Invasive parathyroid surgeries include:

• Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy - This procedure involves removing one or more of the parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism.
• Bilateral Neck Exploration for Hyperparathyroidism - Bilateral neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism is used to treat the most complex cases of hyperparathyroidism. In the procedure, all parathyroid organs are explored for potential disease and removed if necessary.
• Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy - This procedure provides a magnified view of the parathyroid glands to ensure the surgery is performed safely.