What to Expect After Parathyroid Surgery?

The parathyroid glands are small glands located around or on top of the thyroid gland. Normally, each of these four glands is about the size of a lentil . They secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone, which determines how much calcium is stored in the bones and how much calcium is found in the blood.

When these glands enlarge, they can secrete excessive amounts of hormones. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism . In this state, calcium is drawn from the bones into the blood, raising blood calcium levels and decreasing calcium levels in the bones. As a result, bones can weaken, and kidney stones can form due to the excess calcium being excreted by the kidneys. The only treatment is surgical removal of the abnormal gland(s) .

After the abnormal gland is removed, a small blood sample is taken to check hormone levels. A decrease in hormone levels indicates that all abnormal tissue has been removed.

Operation

Before the surgery, we will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you in detail. A small incision , 2.5–5 cm long, will be made in your neck. The incision will be planned to be hidden within a natural skin fold, either in the middle or on the side of your neck.

General anesthesia is administered during the surgery. The surgery lasts between 60 and 120 minutes . You will be discharged the next day .

How will I feel after the surgery?

• Your throat may hurt when you swallow. This is normal and may last for 1-2 days . Warm or cold drinks and iced foods can help relieve this discomfort. Throat sprays or lozenges are also recommended.

• You may feel a lump in your throat when swallowing. This feeling usually subsides within a few days, but it can last for 6–8 weeks .

• Numbness in the skin under the chin or over the incision is normal and will go away within a few weeks .

• Depending on the head position during surgery, pain may occur in the back of the neck, shoulders, or upper back. Using 1-2 pillows while lying down and applying a heating pad to the back of the neck may be helpful. Tension headaches may occur and usually resolve within a few days.

• Feel free to move your neck. You can comfortably turn your head in all four directions .

• Your voice may be hoarse or weak; the tone or pitch of your voice may change, and you may have difficulty singing. This usually resolves within 6 weeks .

• Post-operative mood changes, emotional fluctuations, restlessness, depression, weakness, and fatigue may occur. These symptoms usually subside within a few weeks .

  
  

Pain

Tenderness at the incision site is expected. Most patients complain more of a sore throat. We will discharge you with a prescription for appropriate pain medication. Please do not hesitate to take the pain medication. Applying ice to the incision site may reduce pain and swelling.

Wound Care

Check your wound daily. Signs of infection:

• Widespread redness or swelling

• Foul-smelling discharge or inflammation

• An oral temperature above 38°C

Your wound has been closed with aesthetically pleasing, dissolving stitches.

You can shower two days after discharge. However, do not rub the incision with soap or a loofah until the wound is completely healed. Do not apply cream or lotion to the incision.

Mild swelling at the incision site is normal and will subside within 4–6 weeks . The pink scar will fade within 6–12 months .

The sun's UV rays can cause your scar to darken. After the dressing is removed, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the incision when exposed to the sun for the first 6 months to 1 year .

General Precautions

• You can drive if you can turn your neck from side to side without pain.

• Do not lift more than 9 kg during the first week.

• Avoid strenuous activity other than walking during the first week.

• Do not swim or stay in the water for 14 days .

Frequently Asked Questions

What time can I dine?

• You can resume your normal diet once you get home. If you have a sore throat, choose cold and soft foods.

When can I take a shower?

• You can shower two days after discharge. Do not keep the incision site in water for 14 days .

When can I exercise?

• Light exercises are suitable. Avoid heavy exercises, straining, and excessive neck bending during the first week. Do not lift more than 9 kg during the first week.

When can I return to work?

• You can return when you feel ready. Most people return to work within a week . If your job involves heavy lifting, you may need two weeks of leave . We will provide the necessary sick leave certificate support in this regard.

When will I get my pathology results?

• Pathology results are usually available within a week and will be shared with you at your post-operative check-up.

Medicines and Vitamin Supplements

After the abnormal gland is removed, your blood calcium level will drop; this is normal . If we prescribe calcium supplements, start taking them when you get home and use them daily until your next appointment.

Mild calcium deficiency can cause numbness and tingling in the face, lips, fingertips, or toes. In this case, take 2 calcium tablets immediately.

• Symptoms should resolve within 30 minutes .

• If it doesn't improve, take two more calcium tablets .

• If there is no improvement 30 minutes after the second dose , go to the emergency room .

When should you go to the emergency room?

• Although rare , if you experience shortness of breath, sudden swelling in the throat, or difficulty swallowing...

  Call 112 and go to the nearest emergency room.

• Numbness or tingling that does not resolve despite two additional doses of calcium.

• Severe pain that doesn't go away despite taking painkillers.

• Signs of infection

• A fever above 38°C detected in two temperature readings taken 4 hours apart.

• Any symptoms that worry you

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