Removal of the affected gland by an endoscope, an instrument used for examination of a body cavity. Parathyroid surgery can be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. Local anesthesia does not prevent the surgeon from identifying all parathyroid glands. The operation is successful in over 95 percent of cases when performed by an experienced parathyroid surgeon. Therefore, an experienced parathyroid surgeon is strongly recommended.
Serious complications are uncommon.
Surgery usually leaves a thin, faint horizontal scar about three inches long in the lower neck. Parathyroid autotransplantation Parathyroid autotransplantation is reserved for patients in whom all four parathyroid glands are affected or who need repeat surgery resulting in the removal of all or excessive amounts of parathyroid tissue. This can result in hypoparathyroidism, or the production of too little parathyroid hormone. To prevent this from occurring, parathyroid autotransplanta-tion is performed. All parathyroid tissue in the neck is removed, and a small amount is transplanted to the forearm where it can remain and perform its function of producing parathyroid hormone for the body.