Also called complex parathyroid surgery, combined parathyroid and thyroid surgery refers to an operation that addresses issues in the parathyroid and thyroid glands. Such procedures are not unusual—the thyroid and parathyroid glands are located very close to each other at the base of the neck, and around 30% of parathyroid patients also experience thyroid pathology.
Tampa General Hospital’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute is an undisputed leader in surgical care. Home to Dr. Douglas Politz and Dr. José Lopez—the two most experienced parathyroid surgeons operating in the world today—TGH is relied upon by patients from across Florida, around the country and throughout the globe. Our surgeons routinely perform combined parathyroid and thyroid surgeries and utilize advanced, minimally invasive techniques to achieve optimal results.
Conditions Treated by Combined Parathyroid & Thyroid Surgery
The parathyroid and thyroid glands operate independently from one another but have equally important functions: The four parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulates blood calcium levels, while the thyroid gland manufactures hormones that keep the body’s metabolism and several other key processes in check. Combined parathyroid and thyroid surgery can be used to address several conditions that affect these glands and their functions, including:
- Hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid disease)
- Benign Parathyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
- Goiters
Combined Parathyroid & Thyroid Surgery Details
The details of a combined parathyroid and thyroid surgery will depend on the conditions being treated. Many patients with hyperparathyroidism receive a parathyroidectomy, which involves removing overactive parathyroid glands to regulate blood calcium levels. Thyroid issues that require treatment can often be addressed by removing a thyroid nodule (nodulectomy), a thyroid lobe (lobectomy) or the entire thyroid (total thyroidectomy).
Working collaboratively, Dr. Politz and Dr. López utilize advanced surgical technologies like intraoperative nuclear mapping and radioguided scopes to minimize necessary incisions, reduce scarring and achieve the most successful outcomes for patients with various types of parathyroid and thyroid disorders.
Benefits of Combined Parathyroid & Thyroid Surgery
Combined parathyroid and thyroid surgery allows a surgeon to view both glands in detail and address multiple issues in a single operation. The benefits for patients are numerous—most notably, undergoing one surgery instead of multiple reduces the risk of experiencing surgical complications such as blood loss, infection and problems related to anesthesia.
Become a TGH Patient
Scheduling a fee-free consultation at TGH’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute is simple—call our friendly staff at (813) 844-8335 or complete a patient intake form online. TGH is proud to be recognized as One of the Nation's Best Hospitals for Ear, Nose & Throat by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.
