Parathyroid Surgery  In Singapore

Parathyroidectomy is an increasing common surgical procedure that we perform at FEM Surgery due to the rise in the number of people suffering from hyperparathyroidism. It involves the removal of one or more parathyroid glands to alleviate the symptoms and complications associated with this condition.

Dr Jesse Hu
Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

What is Parathyroidectomy?

Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland in your neck. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in your body.

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of PTH, leading to high calcium levels in the blood. This can cause various symptoms and complications, potentially affecting your bones, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Parathyroidectomy aims to correct this imbalance by removing the overactive parathyroid gland(s), thus reducing the production of PTH and normalizing calcium levels in your body.

Causes and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

There are two main types of hyperparathyroidism: primary and secondary. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands develop a benign tumour, known as an adenoma, which causes excessive PTH production.

 

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a result of other medical conditions, such as kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency, that lead to low calcium levels in the body and stimulate the parathyroid glands to produce more PTH.

 

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may suffer from fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and joint pain. Other common symptoms include frequent urination, kidney stones, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, hyperparathyroidism can lead to confusion, memory loss, and depression.

Diagnosing Parathyroidism in Singapore

If you suspect that you have hyperparathyroidism, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medical history and physical examination

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a thorough physical examination to check for any signs of hyperparathyroidism.

Blood tests

Blood tests are used to measure the levels of calcium, PTH, and vitamin D in your body. High calcium and PTH levels, along with low vitamin D levels, can indicate hyperparathyroidism.

Imaging tests

If your blood tests suggest hyperparathyroidism, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to locate the overactive parathyroid gland(s).

Parathyroid scan

A parathyroid scan, also known as a sestamibi scan, is a specialized imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to detect the overactive parathyroid gland(s).

Types Of Surgeries Available

The choice of procedure depends on the underlying cause of your hyperparathyroidism and the location of the overactive parathyroid gland(s). The most common types include:

This procedure involves removing the overactive parathyroid gland(s) through a small incision in your neck. It’s done under local anaesthesia, and most patients can go home the same day.

This is a more traditional approach that involves a larger incision in your neck to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s). It’s done under general anaesthesia, and patients usually need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.

This is a newer technique that uses robotic technology to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s) through small incisions in your neck. It’s done under general anaesthesia, and patients usually go home the same day.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate type of parathyroidectomy treatment based on your individual needs and medical history.

Pre-surgery considerations

If you’re living with hyperparathyroidism, there are several things you can do to manage your condition and prepare for surgery:

  • Monitor your calcium levels: Keep track of your calcium levels through regular blood tests. This can help you and your doctor determine when it’s time to consider surgery.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones and other complications associated with hyperparathyroidism.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help support bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
  • Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help strengthen your bones, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and boost your overall health.

Post-surgery considerations

After surgery, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include:

  • Resting for a few days: You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after surgery and avoid strenuous activities.
  • Taking pain medication: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may experience.
  • Eating a soft diet: You may need to avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days after surgery to prevent irritation of the incision site.
  • Attending follow-up appointments: You’ll need to see your doctor for follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure that your calcium levels are normalizing.

Risks of Parathyroidectomy

Parathyroidectomy, like any other procedure, comes with risks:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to the nerves in the neck
  • Hypoparathyroidism (low blood calcium levels)

Risks of untreated hyperparathyroidism

If left untreated, hyperparathyroidism can lead to various complications that can severely affect your quality of life. Some of the potential risks include:

Osteoporosis

Excessive PTH production can cause your bones to lose calcium, making them weak and prone to fractures. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fractures.

Kidney stones

High calcium levels in the blood can lead to the formation of calcium deposits in the kidneys, resulting in painful kidney stones.

Cardiovascular problems

Elevated calcium levels can cause calcification of blood vessels and heart valves, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms

Hyperparathyroidism can cause cognitive and emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

Cost of Parathyroidectomy in Singapore

The cost of parathyroidectomy in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of surgery, the hospital or clinic you choose, and your insurance coverage. Generally, minimally invasive and robotic parathyroidectomy tend to be more expensive than open surgery.

Our clinics are under the following

insurance panels

For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.

Dr Jesse Hu

Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.

Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.

Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.

  • Surgical training at NUS School of Medicine
  • FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) Edinburgh, UK in 2014
  • Completed 2 Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowships at Oxford University Hospital, UK in 2016

Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.

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