Parathyroid Surgery in Boulder, CO

Alpine Surgical offers parathyroid surgery in Boulder, CO. The procedure helps treat different conditions that affect the parathyroid glands, including the following:

• Hyperparathyroidism
• Parathyroid Cancer

Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms

Hyperparathyroidism is a common hormonal disorder, affecting about 100,000 Americans each year. Postmenopausal women are at the highest risk; they are affected 2-4X more often than men.

When the parathyroid produces too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), abnormally high amounts of calcium are found in the blood, and phosphorus drops to abnormally low levels. Generally, symptoms are minor aches and fatigue. However, serious complications can develop. These include:

• Kidney stones
• Heartburn
• High blood pressure
• Increased thirst and urination
• Peptic ulcers
• Nausea
• Osteoporosis
• Poor memory

There are numerous tests that may be recommended to establish the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Such tests might include: neck ultrasound and/or sestamibi (nuclear medicine) exam. A bone density test may be used to see if the imbalance has increased your risk of osteoporosis.

Urine and blood tests may be needed to check for kidney function and the presence of kidney stones. If the criteria for surgery are felt appropriate, surgical intervention is curative of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism Symptoms

When too little PTH is produced, it results in unusually low calcium and unusually high phosphorus blood levels. This is called hypoparathyroidism and it is a rare condition. It can be the result of a genetic disorder in which a person is born without parathyroid glands, or they do not function properly. It can also result from autoimmune conditions, a lack of blood magnesium or as a result of accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during head and neck surgery. Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include:

• Excessive nervousness
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Unwanted muscle contraction resulting in uncontrollable twitching and convulsions
• Seizures

Calcium may need to be administered through an IV in order to decrease muscle spasms in severe cases. Long-term treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplements. In addition, a calcium-rich and low-phosphorus diet is recommended.

Surgical Solutions for Parathyroid Disorders

Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid disease is usually treated with a minimally invasive procedure (MIP) under a light or general anesthetic. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone is monitored to ensure adequate removal of the abnormal gland(s). This is usually performed in the outpatient setting. The smaller incisions result in quicker recovery and shorter convalescence. Approximately 85% of the time, only one of the four parathyroid glands needs to be removed.

This is almost always the result of a benign (non-cancerous) growth on the gland called an adenoma. In approximately 10% of cases, all four glands are enlarged and overproducing parathyroid hormone. Either 3.5 glands are removed or all 4 are taken out with replacing a portion of one of the glands in the neck or arm muscle. This allows it to regenerate and gain normal parathyroid function over time. This is called a parathyroid auto-transplantation.

In cases of parathyroid cancer, surgery to remove the cancerous tissue is performed. In rare cases, cancer may be discovered during parathyroid surgery for a condition such as hyperparathyroidism. The surgeon’s experience in endocrine surgery is essential, as the operation to remove the cancer may involve the thyroid, lymph nodes, muscles, trachea, esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Getting Back to Normal

• Your incision is closed with a dissolvable suture and skin adhesive. You may shower the day after surgery.

• Your incision will be firm, pink and raised over the next couple of weeks. This will eventually soften. Mild bruising is to be expected over the lower neck or upper chest. This will resolve without further concern.

• You may experience neck pressure or tightness when swallowing for the first couple of days or weeks. This will generally completely resolve.

• You may resume normal activities after one week. Avoid strenuous activities for the first week. Delayed bleeding complications can occur. If you experience any significant new swelling or pain, call the office immediately.

• Pain should be minimal after your procedure. Post-operative complaints generally consist of pain with swallowing or a neck ache. Pain is often adequately controlled with ibuprofen (600-800mg) or Tylenol (1000mg) every 8 hours as needed.  Avoid Ibuprofen (NSAID) if you have any underlying kidney problems or allergies to NSAID medications.

If these medications are not sufficient, do not hesitate to use the narcotic pain pills as prescribed. Be sure to use an over-the-counter stool softener such as Colace or Docusate if using prescription pain medications.

• Your voice will often appear hoarse immediately after surgery. Other patients experience voice “fatigue” at the end of the day. This will usually resolve within 2-3 months.

• Hypocalcemia (low calcium level) is a common temporary complication of thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Symptoms may include numbness or tingling around your lips or in your fingertips. Some patients may experience muscle twitching, headache or “skin crawling”. This will usually occur within 2-3 days after surgery.

Treatment is with either two regular strength (500mg) Tums tablets three times daily OR one Ultra strength (1000mg) Tums tablet three times daily. Have these on hand prior to returning home from the hospital. Please notify the office if you experience these symptoms.

If symptoms do not resolve with Tums, call the office and have the physician paged at 303-449-3642. These symptoms should resolve within 7-10 days. Levels will be checked periodically after surgery.

• If you experience a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, or any drainage other than a thin red fluid, please call the office at 303‑449‑3642.

• DRIVING MAY RESUME WHEN OFF ALL NARCOTIC PAIN medications, and you can turn or twist your body without hesitation. Do not hesitate to move your head after surgery.

• Schedule a post-operative visit 7-14 days after surgery if one has not been arranged before surgery. Please call the office at 303‑449‑3642.

Parathyroid Surgery at Alpine Surgical

When it comes to parathyroid surgery, experience matters. Best results are experienced by surgeons who regularly perform these procedures.

Even though the operation is minimally invasive, parathyroid surgery requires considerable precision, skill and expertise. The parathyroid is usually located behind the thyroid, but it can sometimes be found elsewhere in the neck or even the chest. There also may be more than one abnormal gland. An experienced surgeon is more accustomed to these variations which can help prevent the need for another surgery in the future. Additionally, the goal isn’t simply to remove the dysfunctional parathyroid gland; the surgeon must preserve normal parathyroid tissue and protect nearby sensitive neck structures.

Dr. Fox and Dr. Beckley are two of the most trusted surgeons in the community, with a greater than 99% success rate in performing parathyroid surgery. Whether you are suffering from hyperparathyroidism or have an abnormal growth on the parathyroid glands, their skills and experience in surgical procedures can help you. Schedule a consultation at Alpine Surgical today for parathyroid surgery in Boulder, CO.