Parathyroid Surgery
The parathyroid glands help control calcium levels in the bloodstream. When the glands don't function as they should, the experts at Cedars-Sinai remove the glands to avoid severe complications of high calcium levels.
Why Parathyroid Surgery?
The parathyroid glands are tiny, rice-shaped glands at the tip of each "wing" on the butterfly-shaped thyroid in the neck. These four glands regulate the calcium levels in your blood, which is a vital part of healthy growth and development.
When one of these glands becomes enlarged and produces too much calcium, serious complications can result. Our surgeons can help.
Parathyroid Conditions We Treat Surgically
We perform parathyroid surgery to correct hyperparathyroidism (also called parathyroid disease). Sometimes, we detect and treat hyperparathyroidism before there are obvious symptoms. In other cases, the condition can result in kidney stones, reduced kidney function and osteoporosis. Surgery is typically the best treatment option.
Parathyroid Surgery We Perform at Cedars-Sinai
Before undergoing surgery to remove an overactive parathyroid gland (or glands), your surgeon will use an ultrasound test to determine which gland to target. Your care team will then perform surgery.
Minimally Invasive Parathyroid Surgery
Most people with parathyroid disease can have the gland removed through tiny incisions on the neck. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomies are faster than conventional operations, less painful and minimize complications with the voice box.
Re-Operative Parathyroid Surgery
Cedars-Sinai is one of the few centers in the U.S. with the experience and skill in performing re-operative parathyroid surgery.
If you had surgery but are still experiencing parathyroid problems, a second surgery can allow our surgeons to find and treat other possible causes of your symptoms, such as:
- Incomplete removal of the parathyroid gland
- Recurrent parathyroid disease
- Parathyroid cancer
- Parathyromatosis
Meet Your Parathyroid Surgery Team
We know you are ready to get back to living the life you love. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe, our surgeons offer treatments to help you feel better. Our multidisciplinary team includes endocrinologists and radiologists who specialize in re-operative care and complex conditions.
Don't hesitate to reach out for answers to your questions, especially if you have had previous parathyroid surgery but are still experiencing symptoms. Your comfort and health are our priority.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you need a diagnosis, treatment or second opinion, call the Endocrine Surgery care team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.