Parathyroidectomy for Parathyroid Adenoma in Turkey

Parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma, a benign growth on one of the four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid in your neck. These tiny glands (each about the size of a grain of rice) regulate calcium levels in your blood.

When an adenoma develops, the affected gland becomes overactive and produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes calcium to be drawn from your bones into your blood, leading to high blood calcium (hypercalcaemia). Over time, this can weaken your bones, cause kidney stones, and produce a range of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, depression, and muscle weakness.

The procedure is typically performed through a small incision in the lower neck (2-3cm). Your surgeon locates the enlarged parathyroid gland, confirms it is the source of excess PTH, and removes it. The remaining healthy parathyroid glands continue to function normally, maintaining your calcium balance.

Intraoperative PTH monitoring is used, a blood test during surgery confirms that PTH levels drop after removal, verifying the correct gland has been removed. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

You may be suitable for parathyroidectomy if you have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a parathyroid adenoma.

You may be a good candidate if:

• Blood tests show elevated calcium and PTH levels
• Imaging has identified a parathyroid adenoma
• You have symptoms of hyperparathyroidism (fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, depression)
• Your doctor has recommended surgical removal
• You are on an NHS waiting list and want to proceed sooner

Diagnosis is usually confirmed through:

• Blood tests (calcium, PTH levels)
• Neck ultrasound
• Sestamibi scan (nuclear medicine scan to locate the adenoma)

You may need further assessment if:

• Multiple glands are affected (multigland disease)
• You have had previous neck surgery
• You have thyroid abnormalities that may need simultaneous treatment

Before your procedure

A consultation reviews your blood test results, imaging, and symptoms. If additional imaging is needed, this can be arranged in Turkey.

On the day

You are admitted to hospital. The procedure takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the lower neck, locates the adenoma, and removes it. Intraoperative PTH testing confirms the correct gland has been removed before the surgery is completed.

Hospital stay (1 night)

You are monitored for calcium levels, which should begin normalising within hours. Your voice and swallowing are checked. Pain is minimal, most patients describe it as a mild sore throat.

Hotel recovery (4 nights)

After discharge, you transfer to your 5-star hotel. Follow-up blood tests are arranged to confirm calcium and PTH are normalising. The extended hotel stay allows thorough monitoring before you travel home.

Back home

You may need calcium and vitamin D supplements temporarily while your remaining parathyroid glands adjust. Our team monitors your recovery.

Parathyroidectomy recovery is generally quick and straightforward.

Days 1-2: Mild neck discomfort (similar to a sore throat). The incision is small and heals quickly. You can eat, drink, and talk normally. Most patients are surprised by how little pain there is.

Days 3-7: Neck discomfort fades. You may feel tired as your body adjusts to normal calcium levels. Some patients experience a "bone hunger" sensation as calcium is reabsorbed into bones.

Weeks 1-2: Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks. The incision heals into a thin line that fades significantly over several months.

Long-term: Many patients report feeling significantly better within weeks, reduced fatigue, improved mood, clearer thinking, and better sleep. The improvement can be dramatic after living with elevated calcium.

Temporary considerations:

• You may need calcium and vitamin D supplements for a few weeks
• Follow-up blood tests monitor calcium levels as your body adjusts

Parathyroidectomy is a safe, well-established procedure with a high cure rate, but all surgeries carry some risk.

Common effects:

• Mild neck discomfort (resolves within days)
• Temporary low calcium after surgery (managed with supplements)
• Small scar in the lower neck (fades significantly over months)

Less common risks:

• Hoarseness or voice changes (due to proximity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, usually temporary)
• Permanent low calcium if multiple glands are affected (rare with single adenoma removal)
• Bleeding or haematoma (rare)
• Infection (rare)

Your surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon in a government-licensed hospital, with intraoperative PTH monitoring to confirm successful removal.