Most people have never heard of the parathyroid glands — until something goes wrong with them. The parathyroid glands are four small, pea-sized glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Despite their small size, they play a critical role in regulating calcium levels in the blood and bones. When one or more of these glands become overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), a condition called hyperparathyroidism develops. Left untreated, hyperparathyroidism can cause calcium to leach from the bones into the bloodstream, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly affect your health and quality of life.
Parathyroid surgery, also called parathyroidectomy, is the only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, our board-certified endocrine surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, using advanced techniques and intraoperative hormone monitoring to precisely locate and remove the overactive gland or glands while preserving the healthy ones. Our MBSA and AAAHC-accredited facility in Johns Creek provides the specialized surgical environment these procedures require, with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio and a team committed to your care from first consultation through full recovery.
We accept most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options at competitive rates. If you have been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism or have been referred for a parathyroid evaluation, request a consultation with our team today.
Hyperparathyroidism is often called a "silent" condition because its symptoms can be subtle, gradual, and easy to attribute to aging or other causes. Common symptoms include:
Some patients are diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism incidentally, through a routine blood test showing elevated calcium levels, before significant symptoms develop. Regardless of how it is discovered, surgical treatment is the only reliable cure and is typically recommended to prevent the long-term complications of untreated hyperparathyroidism, including osteoporosis, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects.
Parathyroidectomy involves the surgical removal of the overactive parathyroid gland or glands. The procedure our team most commonly performs is minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), in which a small incision is made in the neck and only the affected gland is removed, preserving the remaining healthy parathyroid tissue. This targeted approach is made possible by pre-operative imaging — such as a sestamibi scan or ultrasound — to identify the location of the overactive gland, combined with intraoperative PTH monitoring to confirm that hormone levels have returned to normal after removal.
In cases where multiple glands are affected, a more extensive exploration of the neck may be required. Your surgeon will review your imaging and lab results during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach for your situation.
Parathyroid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day. Recovery is generally straightforward, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days to a week. Some temporary soreness at the incision site and mild fatigue are common in the first few days. Your calcium levels will be monitored closely after surgery, as they may temporarily dip as the remaining parathyroid glands adjust to their new role. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and coordinate with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure your recovery is smooth and well supported.
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands produce excess parathyroid hormone, causing calcium levels in the blood to become abnormally elevated — a condition known as hypercalcemia. Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly caused by a benign tumor called a parathyroid adenoma on one of the glands. Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops as a response to low calcium levels, often related to kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests showing elevated calcium and PTH levels, followed by imaging studies to localize the affected gland. If you have been told your calcium levels are high or your PTH is elevated, a consultation with one of our endocrine surgeons can help you determine whether surgical treatment is appropriate.
Surgery is the only definitive cure for primary hyperparathyroidism and is generally recommended for patients who are experiencing symptoms, have significantly elevated calcium levels, show evidence of bone loss or kidney stones, or are under age 50. For older patients with mild, asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, watchful waiting with regular monitoring may be appropriate in some cases, and our surgeons will discuss that option with you honestly during your consultation. Medications can help manage symptoms temporarily but do not address the underlying overactive gland. Once symptoms develop or complications arise, surgery becomes the standard recommendation to prevent further damage.
Parathyroidectomy has an extremely high success rate when performed by an experienced endocrine surgeon. For patients with a single overactive gland, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy achieves cure rates of over 95%. After successful surgery, calcium and PTH levels typically normalize within hours to days. Patients commonly report significant improvements in energy, mood, bone pain, and overall sense of well-being in the weeks and months following surgery. Bone density often stabilizes and may improve over time. Kidney stone formation typically decreases as well. The results can be genuinely life-changing for patients who have been living with the cumulative effects of untreated hyperparathyroidism for months or years.
Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center in Johns Creek provides specialized endocrine surgery care, including parathyroidectomy, to patients throughout the greater Atlanta area. Our board-certified surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive parathyroid surgery and are committed to delivering expert, compassionate care at every stage of your treatment. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (678) 691-6257 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Metro Atlanta and welcome those traveling from Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and beyond.