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Parathyroidectomy Side Effects

The parathyroid glands, usually two pairs located behind the thyroid gland in your neck, secrete parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium in the bones, blood levels of calcium and absorption of calcium by the intestines through activation of vitamin D. With hyperparathyroidism, too much calcium is leeched from the bones, resulting in high calcium levels in the blood and increasing risk of kidney stones and fractures of weakened bones. The most effective treatment is parathyroidectomy with removal of all or, more commonly, some or part of the parathyroid glands.

  1. Low Parathyroid Hormone

    • According to S.J. McPhee and M.A. Papadakis in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," about 70 percent of people with parathyroidectomies develop low parathyroid hormone levels in the first day after surgery. Hypoparathyroidism causes hypocalcemia, in which too little calcium circulates. Calcium is needed for muscles and nerves to function properly, so you may experience muscle twitching and cramping (tetany) as well as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. If the level is very low, you may become confused. Low calcium may affect the heart, causing an irregular heartbeat.

    High Parathyroid Hormone

    • Sometimes, high parathyroid hormone levels recur about a week after surgery, although calcium levels may remain normal or low. You may need treatment with calcium and vitamin D for three to six months or indefinitely to bring parathyroid hormone levels to normal if levels remain high.

    Thyroid Damage

    • The thyroid gland is manipulated during surgery in order to remove the parathyroid glands; this manipulation can cause release of excess thyroid hormone, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism with trembling, rapid heart rate, weakness, anxiety, and inability to sleep. According to Medline Plus, the thyroid gland can also be injured during surgery and may need to be partially or completely removed. If this happens, you may need to take thyroid medication.

    Nerve Damage

    • Injury to the nerves in the throat can occur during surgery. Damage to the vocal chords may result in difficulty speaking, ranging from slight weakness in producing sounds to pronounced hoarseness or whispering voice. Additionally, surgery may injure the nerves affecting swallowing so that you may choke easily, especially if drinking thin fluids.

    Swelling

    • Swelling of the throat may occur after surgery, and this may cause you shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Although this is not common, you may feel some shortness of breath for several months while the tissue is healing.

    Warning

    • Smoking is irritating to the throat and can slow down recovery. Stop smoking before surgery if possible or avoid smoking especially during the initial week after surgery.

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