removal of a gland behind the thyroid gland medical term
Definition. Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove the parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumors. The parathyroid glands are right behind your thyroid gland in your neck. These glands help your body control the calcium level in the blood. Injury to the thyroid gland or the need to remove part of the thyroid gland. 2  Hypoparathyroidism. 3  This can lead to low calcium levels that are dangerous to your health. 4  Injury to the nerves going to the muscles that move your vocal cords.