Parathyroid Surgery Specialist in Birmingham, AL

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid. The main function of the parathyroid glands is to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the body. While many of us assume calcium to only pertain to the strengthening of our bones and teeth, this vital mineral actually does much more. Calcium works to assist in the functionality of every cell in the body, making an irregularity in an individual’s calcium levels a serious health problem.

Dr. Cameron Askew & Dr. S. Andrew Sabo are board-certified surgeons that perform a wide range of surgical procedures for patients in the Birmingham area, including parathyroid surgery.  Our practice provides the most advanced minimally invasive technologies and procedures to treat parathyroid disorders. For more information about parathyroid treatment options, please call our general surgery center in Birmingham, AL, please call (205) 874-9780 today.

Common Parathyroid Disorders

If your parathyroid glands produce too much or too little PTH, it disrupts the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which can cause non-cancerous, hyperactive conditions. Common issues of the parathyroid include:

• Hyperparathyroidism: An overproduction of parathyroid hormone.
  • Primary hyperparathyroidism: An overproduction due to parathyroid adenoma, hyperplasia, and carcinoma. This particular disorder is typically diagnosed using a 24-hour urine collection test to analyze the person’s calcium levels.
  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism: This type of parathyroid disorder develops as a result of low blood calcium levels and high phosphorous levels. Symptoms of the condition include thirst, loss of appetite, constipation, joint pain, and depression. The most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is kidney failure. Other causes include aluminum poisoning, malnutrition, and rickets.
  • Tertiary hyperparathyroidism: In some cases, the patient’s calcium levels may never balance out, even after the problem with their parathyroid is identified and treated. Ongoing treatment is the only solution for those suffering from tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
• Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism is caused by underactive parathyroid, which results in low calcium and phosphorous levels. Common symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include muscle cramps, pain, difficulty walking, seizures, dry skin, loss of memory, and nervousness.

Parathyroid Surgery Options

Cameron S. Askew, MD, PC offers minimally invasive parathyroid surgery options to treat all parathyroid conditions. Minimally invasive parathyroid surgeries include:

• Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: This procedure involves removing one or more of the parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism.
• Bilateral Neck Exploration for Hyperparathyroidism: Bilateral neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism is used to treat the most complex cases of hyperparathyroidism. In the procedure, all parathyroid organs are explored for potential disease and removed if necessary.
• Endoscopic Parathyroidectomy: This procedure provides a magnified view of the parathyroid glands to ensure the surgery is performed safely.