Procedure:
Removal of the parathyroid glands which are
beside the thyroid gland. This is done through a cut
along the ‘necklace’ line of the neck.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which include:
(a) The surgeon may not be able to find the gland.
More extensive surgery may be necessary.
(b) Possible bleeding in the tissues of the neck
which may result in swelling about the wound or
a fluid discharge, or on rare occasions,
pressure in the wind pipe which may cause
breathing problems. This may require
emergency surgery.
(c) Sometimes, the blood supply to the
parathyroids causes the blood calcium to fall.
This may cause pins and needles (etc) and
may be short or long term. There may be a long
term need to replace calcium.
(d) Rarely an important nerve in the area of the
back of the thyroid may be damaged which
could result in a permanent hoarse voice, or
difficulty with the higher pitch of the voice. It is
very common to have a temporary hoarse voice
for a few days as this operation is near the
larynx. If both of these nerves are damaged,
severe breathing difficulty may occur with the
need for respiratory support.
(e) In some people, healing of the wound may be
abnormal and the wound can be thickened and
red. The scar may be painful.
(f) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(g) Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest
infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.