Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Did you know that hyperparathyroidism, a condition often requiring parathyroid surgery, affects about 1 in 1,000 adults in the United States? Finding the right specialist is key for effective treatment.

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What Kind of Surgeon Removes the Parathyroid?

Did you know that hyperparathyroidism, a condition often requiring parathyroid surgery, affects about 1 in 1,000 adults in the United States? Finding the right specialist is key for effective treatment.

Patients often wonder which doctor is best for parathyroid surgery. Choosing the right surgeon depends on understanding the specific specialties and their expertise. 

Endocrine surgeons and ENT surgeons are often the go-to for parathyroid surgery. They have the needed expertise in the relevant areas.

Key Takeaways

• Hyperparathyroidism is a relatively common condition that may require surgical intervention.
• Endocrine surgeons and ENT surgeons are typically involved in parathyroid surgery.
• The choice of surgeon can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery.
• Understanding the different types of surgeons can help patients make informed decisions.
• Parathyroid surgery requires a high level of expertise and precision.

Understanding the Parathyroid Glands and Their Function

It’s important to know about the parathyroid glands to understand how our body manages calcium. This mineral is key for many body functions. The parathyroid glands help keep calcium levels balanced, which is vital for muscle and nerve health.

Anatomy and Location of Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are four small glands near the thyroid gland in the neck. They sit behind the thyroid gland, with two on each side. Their exact spot can vary, but they’re usually in a specific area near the thyroid.

Role in Calcium Regulation and Hormone Production

The main job of the parathyroid glands is to make parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone helps control calcium levels in the blood. When calcium levels are low, the glands release PTH to raise them.

PTH does this by helping to release calcium from bones, increasing its absorption from food, and reducing its loss in urine. This balance is key for muscle, nerve, and bone health. The parathyroid glands’ role in calcium regulation is vital for our overall health.

Importance to Overall Health

The parathyroid glands are essential for our health because of their role in calcium regulation. Problems with calcium levels, due to parathyroid issues, can cause many health problems. These include osteoporosis, kidney stones, and neurological symptoms.

Condition	Effect on Calcium Levels	Health Implications
Hyperparathyroidism	Increased	Osteoporosis, Kidney Stones
Hypoparathyroidism	Decreased	Muscle Cramps, Neurological Symptoms

Keeping the parathyroid glands healthy is key to avoiding these issues and staying well.

Common Conditions Requiring Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid gland disorders can have serious health effects, often needing surgery. These glands help control calcium levels in our bodies. When they don’t work right, it can cause many health problems.

There are several conditions that can affect the parathyroid glands, making surgery necessary. These include primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenomas and hyperplasia, and parathyroid cancer.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more parathyroid glands make too much hormone. This leads to too much calcium in the blood. Symptoms include bone pain, kidney stones, and neurological problems.

To diagnose this, doctors check blood for calcium and hormone levels. They also use imaging to find the problem gland(s). Removing the abnormal gland(s) is usually the best treatment.

Parathyroid Adenomas and Hyperplasia

Parathyroid adenomas are benign tumors on the glands that can cause primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid hyperplasia is when many glands get bigger, also leading to too much hormone.

To treat these, doctors remove the affected gland(s) while keeping the healthy ones. This helps get calcium and hormone levels back to normal.

Parathyroid Cancer

Parathyroid cancer is a rare but serious disease of the glands. It can cause very high calcium levels. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor and gland.

In some cases, the surgery might need to take out more tissue or lymph nodes.

Condition	Description	Treatment Approach
Primary Hyperparathyroidism	Overproduction of PTH by one or more parathyroid glands	Surgical removal of affected gland(s)
Parathyroid Adenomas	Benign tumors causing excessive PTH production	Removal of adenoma(s)
Parathyroid Hyperplasia	Enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands	Removal of enlarged glands, preserving normal tissue
Parathyroid Cancer	Rare malignancy causing severe hypercalcemia	Surgery to remove tumor and affected gland, potentially including surrounding tissues

Types of Parathyroid Surgeons: Who Performs These Procedures?

Several surgical specialties can do parathyroid surgery. The surgeon’s type depends on their training and specialty.

Endocrine Surgeons

Endocrine surgeons specialize in endocrine gland surgeries, like parathyroid. They are well-trained for complex parathyroid cases.

• Have advanced training in endocrine surgery
• Frequently perform parathyroid surgeries
• Skilled in managing endocrine disorders

Head and Neck Surgeons

Head and neck surgeons also do parathyroid surgery. They know the neck’s anatomy well, which helps in parathyroid gland surgery.

Key aspects of their expertise include:

• Detailed knowledge of neck anatomy
• Experience with surgeries in the head and neck region

ENT Surgeons (Otolaryngologists)

ENT surgeons, or otolaryngologists, often do parathyroid surgery. They know the ear, nose, throat, and neck anatomy well.

Their skills include:

• Proficiency in navigating complex neck anatomy
• Experience with delicate structures in the head and neck

General Surgeons with Endocrine Training

Some general surgeons have extra training in endocrine surgery. They can handle parathyroid cases with their broad knowledge and endocrine training.

In conclusion, many surgeons can do parathyroid surgery. But, it’s their specialized training and experience that matter. Patients should look at the surgeon’s qualifications when choosing for parathyroid surgery.

The Specialized Role of a Parathyroid Surgeon

Parathyroid surgeons have a very specialized job. They need to know a lot about parathyroid glands and their problems. These glands are key for keeping calcium levels right in our bodies.

Focused Expertise in Parathyroid Disorders

These surgeons are experts in treating parathyroid issues. They deal with problems like primary hyperparathyroidism, adenomas, and cancer. Their training helps them tackle these complex diseases with the best treatments.

Advanced Techniques and Technology Utilization

Modern parathyroid surgery uses advanced techniques and technology. Surgeons are trained in new methods like video-assisted and robotic surgeries. These methods mean smaller cuts, less pain, and faster healing.

Using these new methods, surgeons can make treatments better and safer. This helps patients get better faster and with fewer risks.

Endocrine Surgeons: Specialists in Hormonal Gland Surgery

Endocrine surgeons are experts in surgeries of hormonal glands. They know a lot about different glands, including the parathyroid glands.

Training Pathway for Endocrine Surgery

The path to becoming an endocrine surgeon is tough. It includes a lot of education and hands-on training.

• They start with a general surgery residency.
• Then, they get specialized training in endocrine surgery through fellowships.
• This training helps them deal with complex endocrine cases.

Why Endocrine Surgeons Excel at Parathyroid Procedures

Endocrine surgeons are great at parathyroid procedures. This is because they have focused training and lots of experience.

• They know a lot about parathyroid anatomy and how it works.
• They use the latest techniques, like minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Endocrine surgeons also keep up with new research and technology. They use tools like intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring. This tool checks if the surgery is working right during the operation.

Choosing an endocrine surgeon for parathyroid surgery has many benefits. These include:

• They have high success rates because of their specialized training.
• They use minimally invasive techniques, which means less recovery time.
• They understand hormonal imbalances and how to fix them surgically.

Endocrine surgeons are ready for parathyroid surgeries. They have advanced training, specialized knowledge, and keep up with new medical discoveries. This makes them skilled and caring in their work.

ENT Specialists as Parathyroid Removal Experts

ENT specialists are perfect for parathyroid removal because they know the neck very well. They have a deep understanding of the head and neck anatomy. This includes the location of the parathyroid glands.

Otolaryngologists’ Expertise in Neck Anatomy

Otolaryngologists get a lot of training in neck anatomy. They learn about the parathyroid glands’ location. This training helps them perform parathyroid surgery with skill.

They know how to find and protect the nerves and blood vessels around the glands. This careful approach lowers the chance of surgery problems.

Benefits of Choosing an ENT for Parathyroid Surgery

Choosing an ENT for parathyroid surgery has many advantages. Their knowledge of neck anatomy leads to more accurate surgery. This reduces the risk of nerve damage and other issues.

Benefits	Description
Precision in Surgery	ENT specialists’ knowledge of neck anatomy enables precise surgical techniques.
Reduced Risk of Complications	Their expertise minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
Better Outcomes	With their specialized training, ENT specialists can achieve better surgical outcomes.

Also, ENT specialists use the latest surgical methods and tools. This means patients get the best care possible.

Qualifications to Look for in a Parathyroid Surgeon

When looking for a parathyroid surgeon, it’s key to check their qualifications. This ensures the best results for your surgery and recovery. A surgeon’s qualifications greatly affect the surgery’s success and your healing.

Board Certification and Specialization

First, look for board certification. This shows the surgeon has completed tough training and passed exams from a medical board. Boards like the American Board of Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology give this certification. It’s also important for the surgeon to specialize in endocrine surgery. This means they focus on treating endocrine system issues, like parathyroid problems.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows surgeon skill matters. It says surgeons with lots of experience and cases do better. This highlights the importance of choosing a surgeon with the right skills and experience.

Certification/Qualification	Description	Importance
Board Certification	Passed examinations by a professional medical board	High
Specialization in Endocrine Surgery	Dedicated practice to endocrine system disorders	High
Fellowship Training	Advanced training in endocrine surgery	High

Experience and Case Volume

The experience and case volume of a surgeon are key. Surgeons who do many parathyroid surgeries have better results and fewer problems. Their experience shows their skill and ability to handle tough cases.

Fellowship Training in Endocrine Surgery

Fellowship training in endocrine surgery is another important qualification. It shows a surgeon has advanced training and expertise in endocrine surgery. Fellowship programs give surgeons deep knowledge and hands-on experience in treating complex endocrine disorders, including parathyroid diseases.

In summary, when picking a parathyroid surgeon, look at their board certification, specialization, experience, and fellowship training. These qualifications help a surgeon perform parathyroid surgery safely and effectively.

Surgical Approaches to Parathyroid Removal

There are many ways to remove parathyroid glands surgically. Each method has its own good points and things to think about. The right way to do it depends on the patient’s health, where the glands are, and the surgeon’s skill.

Traditional Open Parathyroidectomy

Traditional open surgery makes a big cut in the neck to find the glands. It’s been around for a long time and works well. This method lets the surgeon see everything clearly.

But, it might take longer to get better than newer, less invasive ways.

Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy

Minimally invasive surgery is getting more popular. It uses small cuts and often checks hormone levels during surgery. This way, patients have less scarring and pain after.

Video-Assisted Techniques

Video-assisted surgery uses a camera and monitor to see the glands. It makes even smaller cuts than open surgery. This method can make surgery more precise.

Robotic-Assisted Parathyroid Surgery

Robotic surgery is the newest way to do parathyroid surgery. It gives clear views and lets the surgeon move instruments with great precision. It’s great for complex cases or tricky anatomy.

Surgical Approach	Incision Size	Recovery Time	Precision
Traditional Open	Larger	Longer	High
Minimally Invasive	Smaller	Shorter	High
Video-Assisted	Smaller	Shorter	Very High
Robotic-Assisted	Minimal	Variable	Very High

Each way to remove parathyroid glands has its own good and bad sides. The best method depends on the patient’s situation and the surgeon’s skills.

How to Find an Experienced Parathyroid Surgeon

Finding the right surgeon for parathyroid surgery is key to a good outcome. Your surgeon’s skill can greatly affect your results. So, it’s important to pick carefully.

Researching Surgeon Credentials and Experience

Start by looking into a surgeon’s credentials and experience. Make sure they are board-certified and have training in endocrine surgery. Also, check their track record in parathyroid surgeries. A surgeon with many successful surgeries is usually a safer choice.

Check the surgeon’s profile on medical boards’ websites or through organizations like the American Board of Surgery. These sites can tell you about their certification, training, and any disciplinary actions.

Referrals from Endocrinologists

Getting a referral from an endocrinologist is also a good idea. Endocrinologists often know which surgeons are best for parathyroid surgery. Their advice can help you make a smart choice.

Endocrinologists can also share insights on the surgeon’s teamwork skills. This is important for your overall care.

High-Volume Centers for Parathyroid Surgery

Choosing a high-volume center for parathyroid surgery can also improve your chances. These centers usually have better results because of their team’s experience.

High-volume centers have teams that include endocrinologists, radiologists, and pathologists. They work together to give you the best care. Visiting these centers can help you understand their capabilities.

By researching surgeons, getting referrals, and looking at high-volume centers, you can increase your chances of a successful surgery. Taking the time to choose wisely is essential for the best results.

Questions to Ask Your Parathyroid Specialist

Choosing the right parathyroid specialist is key. It’s important to ask the right questions. This ensures you’re well-informed and confident in your choice.

About Their Experience and Success Rates

Knowing a surgeon’s experience is vital. You should ask about their history with parathyroid surgeries. This includes the number of procedures and their success rates. Understanding their experience can give you insight into their skill level.

• How many parathyroid surgeries have you performed?
• What are your success rates with these procedures?
• Can you share any patient testimonials or reviews?

Regarding Surgical Approach and Technology

The surgical approach and technology used are important. They can affect your recovery and outcome. Ask your specialist about their methods and why they choose them.

Some questions to consider include:

• What surgical approach do you recommend for my condition?
• Do you use minimally invasive techniques or traditional open surgery?
• What kind of technology or equipment do you use during the procedure?

Concerning Potential Complications and Recovery

It’s important to know about possible complications and recovery. Your specialist should provide detailed information on these topics.

Key questions to ask include:

• What are the possible risks or complications with parathyroid surgery?
• How long is the typical recovery period?
• What kind of post-operative care do you provide, and how do I manage calcium levels after surgery?

By asking these questions, you can understand your specialist’s abilities and what to expect. This helps you make a well-informed decision.

The Impact of Surgeon Experience on Parathyroidectomy Outcomes

Surgeon experience greatly affects the success and complication rates of parathyroid surgery. The more skilled a surgeon is, the better the surgery’s outcome. This impacts the patient’s recovery and how well the treatment works.

Success Rates and Cure Rates

Research shows that more experienced surgeons have better success rates. Success rates are measured by how well calcium levels return to normal after surgery. Experienced surgeons also have a higher chance of a cure, meaning long-term normalization of parathyroid hormone levels.

Surgeon expertise is key in finding and removing the right parathyroid gland(s) while keeping the others safe. This careful approach helps avoid complications and speeds up recovery.

Complication Rates Based on Surgeon Volume

The number of surgeries a surgeon does also affects complication rates. Surgeons who do more parathyroidectomies have fewer complications than those who do fewer. Complications can include nerve damage, low calcium levels, and bleeding. Experienced surgeons are better at handling unexpected issues during surgery, lowering the risk of complications.

High-volume surgeons also follow the latest practices and use the newest techniques and technologies. This improves patient outcomes even more.

Recovery After Parathyroid Surgery and Follow-up Care

Recovering from parathyroid surgery is usually easy, but it needs careful attention. Good post-operative care is key to a smooth recovery.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Right after surgery, patients stay in a recovery room for a few hours. Medical staff watch for any problems and help with pain. Managing pain well is important for a comfortable recovery.

Patients should rest and avoid hard activities for a few days. Elevating the head while resting can also help reduce swelling.

Managing Calcium Levels

Keeping calcium levels right after surgery is very important. Patients might need calcium and vitamin D supplements. Regular blood tests are needed to check these levels.

Day Post-Surgery	Calcium Level Check	Supplementation Adjustment
1-2	Initial Check	As needed
3-7	Follow-up Check	Adjusted based on levels
1-2 weeks	Further Monitoring	Continued as necessary

Return to Normal Activities

Most people can get back to normal in a week or two. But, it’s important to follow the surgeon’s advice on activity levels and any limits.

Going to follow-up appointments is very important. They help make sure the recovery is going well and address any issues that come up.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Parathyroid Surgeon for Your Needs

Finding the right parathyroid surgeon is key to a successful surgery. An experienced surgeon, like an endocrine surgeon, can make a big difference. They ensure the surgery goes well.

Look for a surgeon with the right qualifications and experience in parathyroid surgery. A skilled endocrine surgeon can handle tough cases and reduce risks.

Choosing the right surgeon means a better recovery and results. It’s important to research and pick a qualified surgeon for parathyroid surgery.

FAQ

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544276/