PD 3330 Parathyroidectomy Dr. Archibald

For Dr.
Archibald
Parathyroidectomy Surgery for

Primary Hyperparathyroidism
What is parathyroidectomy surgery?
The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that controls the balance
of calcium in your body. You need a proper level of calcium for
normal body chemistry.
Parathyroidectomy surgery is done when the calcium balance is
abnormal because the parathyroid activity is too high.
Neck
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid
glands
Breathing tube
The operation is done under general anaesthesia so you are asleep.

An incision is made across the lower front of the neck.
The parathyroid glands, located behind the thyroid gland are found,
and the abnormal one(s) removed.
After surgery, patients usually need to take calcium supplements,
sometimes with Vitamin D, until the calcium balanced is restored.
What do I need to do before surgery?

You must come to the Pre-Admission Assessment Clinic 1 to 2
weeks before surgery to have any blood work, X-rays and other tests
your doctor orders. In this clinic, you will talk to a nurse and
anaesthetist. You will learn how to get ready for surgery. You will
have time to ask questions as well.
Pre-Admission Assessment Clinic Visit continued

Bring a list of your medications to this visit so the nurses and
anaesthetist can see what you are taking.
You will also be given instructions about eating and drinking before
surgery and when to stop. If you take medication each morning, the
nurse or anaesthesiologist will tell you the ones to take the morning
of surgery. If your doctor wants you to shave your neck at home, the
nurse will talk to you about this.
On the Day of Surgery
Follow the Surgery Checklist at home. Come to the hospital Day
Surgery Unit at the time you were advised. The nurses will prepare
you for surgery, take your blood pressure and explain things that are
going to happen. A thin tube called an intravenous is put into a vein
in your arm. This is used to give you fluid and medication during
surgery.
After you are ready for surgery, your support person can wait with
you until you for your operation.
What to expect after surgery

How will I feel after surgery?
After surgery, you will go to the recovery room. You will be watched
closely by the nurses until you are awake. If you feel pain or have an
upset stomach, the nurse will give you medication to help.
You may go home 2 to 4 hours after surgery. Your nurse will review
how to look after yourself at home after surgery.
Some patients are admitted to a nursing unit for further monitoring.
Calcium in your blood and taking medications
The amount of calcium in your blood needs to be monitored closely.
You will have a blood sample taken in the recovery area and as
needed after that. Calcium (including Extra Strength TUMS) and
Vitamin D, when needed, can be taken by mouth. Some medications
may need to be given by intravenous. Before you go home, you must
be able to take all medications by mouth.
Blood tests after discharge

After you go home, you will have blood tests to monitor your calcium
level as your doctor directs. Your doctor will tell you to adjust your
medications as needed. It is important to follow your doctors
instructions.
Incisions
You will have an incision closed with stitches or special tape called
steri-strips. You may have a tube, called a drain, coming out of your
incision. The drain removes fluid caused by the surgery. The nurses
check and empty the drain and clean your incision. The drain is taken
out by the visiting nurse when you doctor orders this.
Pain and other symptoms
Your neck will be somewhat sore after surgery. This is not usually a
major problem. Pain medication will be prescribed as needed. Take
this medication as directed by your doctor.
Other symptoms you had from the high calcium will gradually
improve.
Diet
When you go home, you can follow your normal diet.
Activities
You may feel tired for 1 or 2 days. You can gradually go back to all of
your regular activities when you go home.
When do I see my doctor again?
The nurse will give you a follow-up appointment with your doctor
before you leave the hospital. If you do not have an appointment,
call your doctor to arrange this after you are home.
Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection:

increased swelling around your incisions
redness around your incisions
yellow or green discharge around your incisions
increased temperature, or chills or shaking
Call your doctor if you have:
pain after surgery that does not feel better each day
any questions or concerns
Is there anything else I should watch for?

Contact your doctor if you have any of these problems.
You may need your calcium adjusted.
Signs of low calcium are:
tingling in your fingers, toes or face
muscles cramps in hands and feet
shaking
convulsions
Signs of high calcium are:
upset stomach or nausea
general unwell feeling
constipation
PD 3330 (Rev 03-2010) File: peyles

PD 3330 Parathyroidectomy Dr. Archibald

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For Dr.

Parathyroidectomy Surgery for

The operation is done under general anaesthesia so you are asleep.

What do I need to do before surgery?

Pre-Admission Assessment Clinic Visit continued

What to expect after surgery

Blood tests after discharge

Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection:

Is there anything else I should watch for?

PD 3330 (Rev 03-2010) File: peyles

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