Our Summary

This research paper is about the relation between the number of thyroid surgeries a surgeon performs and the chance of accidentally removing a parathyroid gland during surgery. The parathyroid glands are small glands in the neck that control the body’s calcium levels.

The study looked at over 1,000 thyroid surgeries performed by seven surgeons. They found that 22.4% of surgeries accidentally removed a parathyroid gland. When they looked more closely, they found that surgeons who performed more surgeries were less likely to accidentally remove a parathyroid gland.

The study also found that accidental removal of a parathyroid gland increased the chance of temporary and permanent changes in the body’s control of calcium levels.

The researchers concluded that surgeons who perform more thyroid surgeries are less likely to accidentally remove a parathyroid gland, and this did not depend on the number of lymph nodes removed during the surgery. This supports the idea that having more experienced surgeons can both improve cancer treatment and reduce the chance of complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the relation between the number of thyroid surgeries a surgeon performs and the likelihood of accidentally removing a parathyroid gland?
  2. What are the potential consequences of accidentally removing a parathyroid gland during thyroid surgery?
  3. Does the number of lymph nodes removed during surgery affect the likelihood of accidentally removing a parathyroid gland?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about parathyroidectomy is to choose a surgeon who has experience and expertise in performing thyroid surgeries. This can reduce the risk of accidentally removing a parathyroid gland during the procedure and minimize the chance of complications related to calcium level control. It’s important to ask your surgeon about their experience and success rates with parathyroidectomies before undergoing the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for parathyroidectomy are those with hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. In severe cases, hyperparathyroidism can also lead to high calcium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous.

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, which is caused by a benign tumor on one or more of the parathyroid glands, are often recommended for parathyroidectomy. In some cases, patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is usually caused by kidney failure or vitamin D deficiency, may also benefit from parathyroidectomy.

Overall, patients who have persistent symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, high calcium levels in the blood, or complications such as kidney stones or osteoporosis may be recommended for parathyroidectomy to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Timeline

Before parathyroidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests to determine the need for surgery, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and a physical examination.
  2. Patient may experience symptoms related to hyperparathyroidism, such as fatigue, weakness, bone pain, and kidney stones.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider and decides to proceed with parathyroidectomy.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, which may include fasting, medication adjustments, and anesthesia consultation.

After parathyroidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate complications.
  3. Patient may experience temporary symptoms post-surgery, such as sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital within a day or two, depending on the extent of the surgery and their recovery.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative care, including monitoring calcium levels and managing any potential complications.
  6. Patient may experience improved symptoms related to hyperparathyroidism, such as increased energy levels and reduced risk of further complications associated with high calcium levels.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many parathyroidectomies have you performed in the past?
  2. What is your experience with removing parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery?
  3. What measures do you take to prevent accidental removal of a parathyroid gland during surgery?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with parathyroidectomy?
  5. How will my body’s calcium levels be monitored after the surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of temporary or permanent changes in my body’s calcium levels after the surgery?
  7. How will the surgery impact my overall health and quality of life?
  8. What is the recovery process like after a parathyroidectomy?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or additional information about parathyroidectomy and its potential risks and benefits?

Reference

Authors: Barrios L, Shafqat I, Alam U, Ali N, Patio C, Filarski CF, Bankston H, Mallen-St Clair J, Luu M, Zumsteg ZS, Adashek K, Chen Y, Jain M, Braunstein GD, Sacks WL, Ho AS. Journal: Surgery. 2021 May;169(5):1145-1151. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.11.023. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33446359