Thyroid surgeons specialize in procedures involving the parathyroid glands, which are four glands in the neck that surround the thyroid glands. Because these glands are located in a difficult location, operating on them is extremely difficult, and parathyroid surgeons receive specialized training to provide expertise in the field. The services of a parathyroid surgeon are strongly recommended when a patient requires surgery on these glands.
People can enter the field of parathyroid surgery through the endocrine surgery or head and neck surgery, also known as otolaryngology, specialties. In both cases, the surgeon completes a general surgery residency before applying for a fellowship in the surgical specialty of his or her choice and receiving additional parathyroid surgery training. Thyroid surgeons are typically board certified and have performed hundreds of surgical procedures during their careers.
Treatment of parathyroid gland disorders has traditionally been invasive, requiring parathyroid surgeons to have special skills in order to avoid delicate tissues in the area. Endocrinologists are increasingly recommending minimally invasive parathyroid surgery to their patients, which necessitates a high level of competency in both managing and performing the surgery. Minimally invasive surgery has the advantage of being easier on the patient, resulting in faster healing and a better prognosis.
When one or more of a patient’s parathyroid glands needs to be removed because it is producing too many hormones, they are usually referred to a parathyroid surgeon. The surgeon must determine which gland or glands must be removed, and the overproducing gland must be completely removed. In the aftermath of surgery, patients may need to see an endocrinologist to regulate their hormone levels, especially if multiple glands were removed, in which case the body may not be able to produce enough parathyroid hormones on its own.
When a patient requires the services of a parathyroid surgeon, he or she should interview the surgeon and obtain information about the facility where the procedure will be performed to ensure that the standard of care will be high. A good surgeon will be happy to tell you how many procedures he or she has done in the past, as well as information about surgical outcomes with other patients and potential complications. The surgeon should also provide proof of board certification in a surgical specialty such as head and neck surgery or endocrine surgery, as well as where he or she received his or her training.