This is a procedure that allows via a minimal access, usually between 1.5 and 2cm incision, excision or removal of the parathyroid gland. 

 

Parathyroid glands are removed when they grow into an adenoma, when this happens, they affect the metabolism of calcium at 3 different levels:

- Bone

- Kidney

- Bowel

 

An enlarged gland or adenoma overproduces PTH or parathyroid hormone, this in turn acts at those 3 levels. Increased secretion of parathyroid hormone forces the bone to release its calcium into the bloodstream, this weakens the bones causing osteoporosis. At kidney level it stops filtration of calcium into urine and finally in the small bowel it increases absortion of calcium.

 

These 3 actions combined result in an increasing blood calcium. This is a condition called hyperparathyroidism. When it is caused by an adenoma it is termed primary hyperparathyroidism. This condition is well resolved with surgery and usually a minimal access can be offered if an experienced surgeon is involved.

 

Surgery returns PTH levels to normal almost immediately. This in turns reduces the calcium levels back to its normal value. After a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy patients can go home the next day.

 

 Dr. Nicolas Oddone-Baridon