Hyperparathyroidism

Increased function of the parathyroid glands is characterized by an excess secretion of their hormone – parathyroid hormone (PTH) – which increases the concentration of calcium in the blood through the mobilization of calcium from the bones.

This condition is called primary hyperparathyroidism.

The most common causes of primary hyperparathyroidism include enlargement of one or more parathyroid glands through benign hyperplasia and the presence of benign tumors of the parathyroid glands (in 85% of cases these are adenomas).

Adenomas can occur as an isolated disease or as part of MEN syndrome or various familial syndromes caused by mutations in certain genes.

The symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are basically the symptoms and complications of hypercalcemia.

Depending on the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium in the blood, patients may be asymptomatic, have mild symptoms or develop a strongly pronounced clinical picture.

This may include:

• the formation of kidney stones with associated complications,
• muscle weakness,
• weariness
• muscle pain,
• disorders in the digestive system (nausea, vomiting),
• disorders in the cardiovascular system (changes in the electrocardiogram, calcium deposition in the walls of blood vessels, increase in blood pressure),
• disorders in the nervous system (listlessness, disturbances of consciousness, coma),
• disorders in the nephrological system (profuse urination)
• disorders in the skeletal system (osteoporosis due to the mobilization of calcium from the skeleton).

The doctor will first determine the localization of the enlarged gland (or glands) in the neck through diagnostic imaging.

Most patients have one enlarged gland (adenoma), but some patients may have multiple enlarged glands (hyperplasia).

Although the position of the parathyroid glands is usually constant, sometimes these glands can move to an unexpected part of the neck. Imaging usually includes thyroid scintigraphy (with 99m TC-sestamibi) and sometimes ultrasound. The application of these diagnostic measures often shortens the duration and scope of the surgical procedure.

Surgery is a permanent solution in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Thyroid surgery is usually performed through a small incision in the front of the neck, providing an excellent aesthetic result. Postoperative recovery is fairly fast, with many patients returning to work or normal daily activities within a week.

Some patients stay overnight in the hospital, while others are discharged the same day the surgery is performed.

Surgical treatment generally achieves an extremely high success rate as a permanent solution to hyperparathyroidism. After surgery, patients swallow and speak unhindered. In 90 percent of patients who suffered from kidney stones caused by excess calcium, seizures will not reoccur.

Bone density also improves over time after surgery. Many patients report an improvement in their general health, mood, and sense of well-being.

Our main goal at the LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with a top-notch health service.

That is why we have gathered a team of top experts, specialists and subspecialists who are the backbone of our multidisciplinary centers and specialist clinics.

Our goal is to achieve a safe and long-term good result through a successful diagnosis and selection of individual treatment, with timely monitoring of the patient.

In order to maintain the high quality of our medical services, we strive to be always available to our clients.

For a consultation and examination with our expert team, you can contact us by phone at +3851 2444-646 or via our online form. Opening hours for orders are Monday to Friday 10:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.