PARATHYROID SURGERY
Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery in Melbourne
Dr Saam Tourani is a Melbourne-based specialist endocrine surgeon with extensive experience in parathyroid surgery. The majority of parathyroid disorders, particularly primary hyperparathyroidism, can be effectively cured with minimally invasive surgery when accurately localised and expertly performed. Dr Tourani offers thorough evaluation, surgeon-performed ultrasound assessment, and meticulous surgical care to achieve high cure rates with minimal disruption to your recovery.
Understanding the Parathyroid Glands
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located behind the thyroid in the neck. Despite their name, they have nothing to do with the thyroid’s function. Their main role is to regulate the body's calcium levels by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control calcium absorption from the gut, release from bones, and excretion by the kidneys. Even small abnormalities in the parathyroid glands can cause significant health issues. Fortunately, most conditions are curable with focused surgery when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Common Indications for Parathyroid Surgery
Blog: Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
This is the most common parathyroid disorder, often caused by a benign tumour (adenoma) in one of the glands. It leads to high calcium levels in the blood, which can cause:
Fatigue, brain fog, and low mood
Bone thinning (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
Kidney stones
Abdominal pain and digestive issues
Muscle weakness and joint aches
If a parathyroid adenoma is identified on imaging a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy can cure this condition in 98% of the cases. Please check out our dedicated blog post on primary hyperparathyroidism for details of assessment and management of this condition.
Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
These forms of hyperparathyroidism occur in people with chronic kidney disease or those on long-term dialysis. The parathyroid glands become enlarged over time due to persistently low calcium or vitamin D levels. When medical management is no longer effective, surgery may be required.
Unlike primary hyperparathyroidism, which typically involves a single overactive gland, secondary hyperparathyroidism usually affects all four glands. In these cases, the standard surgical approach is a bilateral neck exploration with subtotal parathyroidectomy — removal of three and a half glands — to restore calcium balance while preserving some parathyroid function. These complex cases require an experienced endocrine surgeon familiar with managing multi-gland disease and the unique challenges associated with chronic kidney disease.
Other Useful Links
Parathyroidectomy: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/parathyroidectomy