Why is parathyroidectomy performed?
Parathyroidectomy is performed to remove parathyroid glands that are producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). Too much PTH causes high calcium levels in the blood and, over a period of time, can cause damage to the bones, blood vessels and heart. There are usually four parathyroid glands, each one the size of a pinhead (0.1cm). In people with kidney failure needing parathyroidectomy, all of the glands are enlarged, sometimes to the size of a small pea (0.5cm).Parathyroidectomy is also necessary in some people who do not have kidney failure. In these cases only one of the glands is usually enlarged.
