Thyroidectomy
Thyroid surgery is a common procedure that involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. During thyroid surgery, it is important to preserve the parathyroid glands, as they play a critical role in regulating calcium levels in the body.
What are parathyroid glands and what is their role?
The parathyroid glands are four small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Maintaining proper calcium levels is important for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Imbalances in calcium levels can lead to health problems, and disorders of the parathyroid gland can cause low or high calcium levels. Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, while hyperparathyroidism occurs when they produce too much. If you are experiencing symptoms of a parathyroid gland disorder, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.
What happens if the parathyroid glands are damaged during surgery?
During thyroid surgery, it is important to preserve the parathyroid glands because they can easily be damaged or removed accidentally. If the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed, it can lead to a condition called hypoparathyroidism. This condition occurs when there is not enough PTH in the blood to regulate calcium levels. Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include muscle cramps, twitching, tingling in the hands and feet, and seizures.
What are the ways to identify parathyroid glands?
Preserving the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery can be challenging because they are located very close to the thyroid gland. However, there are several techniques that can be used to help identify and preserve the parathyroid glands. One technique is called intraoperative nerve monitoring. This involves placing electrodes on the nerves that control the parathyroid glands and monitoring the nerve function during surgery. This can help the surgeon identify the parathyroid glands and avoid damaging them.
Another technique that can be used to preserve the parathyroid glands is called parathyroid auto transplantation. This involves removing a small piece of the parathyroid gland and transplanting it into another location in the neck. This can help to preserve the function of the parathyroid gland in case it is accidentally damaged or removed during surgery.
Why is it important to preserve the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery?
Preserving the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery is important because it can help to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who have their parathyroid glands preserved during thyroid surgery are less likely to develop hypoparathyroidism and have better long-term outcomes. In addition, preserving the parathyroid glands can help to reduce the need for calcium and vitamin D supplements after surgery.
In conclusion, preserving the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery is critical to maintaining proper calcium levels in the body and preventing complications such as hypoparathyroidism. There are several techniques that can be used to help identify and preserve the parathyroid glands during surgery, including intraoperative nerve monitoring and parathyroid auto transplantation. If you are considering thyroid surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of preserving the parathyroid glands with your surgeon.
References
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/thyroid-surgery
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-surgery/..
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-parathyroid-preserve
