Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Thyroid Disorders & Surgery
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just over the windpipe. It produces iodine-containing hormones which regulate the rate at which body cells use energy and produce heat.
The growth and development of all the body’s tissues are dependent on the thyroid gland’s proper functioning. If the thyroid gland is either overactive or underactive, it can create health problems.
Parathyroid Disorders
Located behind the thyroid gland are four tiny parathyroid glands. These make hormones that help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. The parathyroid glands are necessary for proper bone development. In response to too little calcium in the diet, the parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone, or PTH, that takes calcium from bones so that it will be available in the blood for nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
If the parathyroids are removed during a thyroid operation, low blood calcium will result in symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, tingling in the hands and feet, and possibly difficulty breathing. A tumor or chronic illness can cause too much secretion of PTH and lead to bone pain, kidney stones, increased urination, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
Surgical Treatment for Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders
In-Office Evaluation and Procedures
- Consultation
- Biopsies
- Ultrasound-guided Biopsies
Same-Day Surgery
Minimally Invasive Parathyroid surgery with intraoperative PTH monitoring and nerve monitoring