Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid surgery is performed to treat overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) or to remove tumours affecting the parathyroid glands. These conditions lead to abnormal calcium regulation and can cause significant long-term problems, including osteoporosis, kidney stones, fatigue, neurocognitive symptoms, and reduced quality of life.

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, parathyroid surgery is led by Mr Matthew Ward, one of the UK’s leading parathyroid surgeons. Mr Ward manages a high-volume national and international referral practice and regularly treats patients from across the UK and overseas with both straightforward and highly complex parathyroid disease.

Mr Ward has extensive experience in the full spectrum of parathyroid surgery, including:

  • Targeted (minimally invasive) parathyroidectomy for single-gland disease

  • Four-gland parathyroid exploration for multi-gland or complex hyperparathyroidism

  • Re-operative and revision parathyroid surgery

  • Parathyroid surgery in patients with co-existing thyroid disease

Crucially, Mr Ward is one of a very small number of surgeons in the UK who routinely uses all of the most advanced technologies in every case, including:

  • Parathyroid autofluorescence imaging, allowing real-time identification of parathyroid tissue

  • Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring, providing immediate biochemical confirmation of cure

  • High-resolution pre-operative localisation imaging integration

  • Nerve monitoring and modern endocrine surgical techniques to maximise safety and precision

All parathyroid surgery is performed at Medicana Winchester, a state-of-the-art thyroid and parathyroid surgery centre. Medicana Winchester offers a level of technology, infrastructure, and specialist support that is currently available in only a handful of centres nationally. This allows complex endocrine surgery to be performed with exceptional accuracy, safety, and outcomes.

The combination of high surgical volume, advanced technology, and specialist endocrine focus ensures that patients receive care that is not only technically excellent, but also aligned with the latest international best practice.

Every patient undergoes a detailed consultation, careful review of blood tests and imaging, and a personalised discussion of treatment options. Where surgery is recommended, the goal is definitive cure with minimal disruption, rapid recovery, and long-term protection of bone, kidney, and overall health.

  • The parathyroid glands are usually four small glands in the neck, located close to the thyroid gland. Their role is to regulate calcium levels in the blood by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is essential for bone health, kidney function, and nerve activity.

  • Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing excess parathyroid hormone. This leads to raised blood calcium levels, which can affect bones, kidneys, muscles, and overall wellbeing.

  • Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common form and is usually caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma (a non-cancerous growth in one gland). Less commonly, more than one gland may be overactive.

  • Symptoms vary widely and may include:

    • Fatigue and low energy

    • Poor concentration or “brain fog”

    • Low mood or anxiety

    • Bone or joint pain

    • Kidney stones

    • Increased thirst and urination

    • Constipation or abdominal discomfort

    • Osteoporosis or fractures

    Some patients have very mild or no symptoms, and the condition is discovered on routine blood tests.

  • Diagnosis is based on blood tests, typically showing:

    • Raised calcium levels

    • Raised or inappropriately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH)

    Additional tests may include vitamin D levels, kidney function tests, bone density scans, and imaging to localise the overactive gland.

  • Not always. Surgery is usually recommended if:

    • Symptoms are present

    • Calcium levels are persistently raised

    • There is bone thinning (osteoporosis)

    • Kidney stones or kidney impairment are present

    • You meet recognised clinical criteria

    Your surgeon will discuss whether surgery is the best option for you.

  • Parathyroidectomy is an operation to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s). In most cases, this can be performed using a focused or minimally invasive approach, guided by pre-operative imaging.

  • Parathyroid surgery is highly effective, with cure rates typically over 95% when performed by experienced surgeons. Most patients see normalisation of calcium levels and improvement in symptoms.

  • Parathyroid surgery is performed at Medicana Winchester with access to specialised anaesthetic care and monitoring. An overnight stay is often included, particularly to monitor calcium levels after surgery.

    • You are admitted on the day of surgery

    • The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic

    • A small incision is made in the lower neck

    • Most patients can eat and drink shortly after surgery

    • Calcium levels are checked during and after the operation

    • Recovery is usually straightforward:

      • Mild neck discomfort or sore throat for a few days

      • Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks

      • Scarring is typically minimal and fades over time

      You will receive clear post-operative instructions and follow-up arrangements.

  • Some patients experience temporary low calcium levels after surgery as the remaining glands adjust. If needed, calcium (and sometimes vitamin D) supplements are prescribed short-term. Long-term supplementation is uncommon.

  • Parathyroid surgery is generally very safe, but potential risks include:

    • Bleeding or infection

    • Temporary hoarseness due to irritation of the voice nerve

    • Low calcium levels after surgery

    • Rarely, persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism

    All risks are discussed in detail during consultation.

  • Temporary voice changes can occur but are uncommon. Permanent voice problems are rare, particularly when surgery is performed by an experienced head and neck surgeon.

  • Parathyroid cancer is very rare. The vast majority of parathyroid tumours are benign adenomas.

  • Yes. Parathyroid care often involves collaboration with endocrinologists, radiologists, and other specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis, safe surgery, and appropriate long-term follow-up.

  • No. You can self-refer directly to Hampshire ENT Clinics for a private consultation. We are also happy to work alongside your GP or endocrinologist.

  • Parathyroid surgery at Hampshire ENT Clinics is led by Mr Matthew Ward, Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, who has extensive experience in high-volume thyroid and parathyroid surgery using modern techniques.

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