Parathyroid Surgery
What to expect after your parathyroidectomy and how to manage your recovery, calcium and follow-up.
The first few days
Mild neck discomfort, tightness, swelling and some discomfort with swallowing are common after parathyroid surgery and usually improve steadily over the first few days.
Pain relief
Take your prescribed or recommended pain relief as required. Most patients need relatively simple pain relief after surgery.
Eating & drinking
You can usually eat and drink normally. Softer foods may feel more comfortable initially if your throat is sore.
Calcium and PTH after surgery
Calcium and PTH levels fall after successful parathyroid surgery.
Calcium can sometimes temporarily fall below the normal range, particularly as calcium moves back into the bones after surgery.
Symptoms of low calcium can include
Tingling around the mouth • tingling in the fingers or toes • pins and needles • muscle twitching or cramping
Calcium and PTH are checked after surgery and calcium supplementation is adjusted according to your blood results and symptoms.
Read the temporary low calcium guide →Calcium medication
Some patients need calcium tablets after surgery.
In some cases calcitriol is also prescribed to help increase calcium absorption.
Take calcium and calcitriol exactly as instructed and do not alter the dose unless you have been advised to do so.
Looking after your wound
Mild swelling, bruising and firmness around the incision are common while the wound is healing.
Follow the dressing and wound-care instructions you were given when leaving hospital.
The scar usually softens and fades progressively over the following months.
Activity & recovery
Walking
Walking and gentle normal activity are encouraged from the beginning.
Driving
You may drive once you can comfortably turn your head, perform an emergency stop and are not taking medication that impairs your ability to drive.
Work
Return to work depends on how you feel and the physical demands of your occupation.
Exercise
Increase activity progressively as comfort allows.