Tampa General Hospital’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute is a globally recognized leader in surgical parathyroid treatment, excelling in advanced approaches like minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) procedures. MIRP is a type of parathyroid surgery that removes one, multiple or almost all four parathyroid glands. These small, rice-shaped glands are situated behind the thyroid at the base of the neck and are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).
In the past, a surgeon often had to make a large neck incision to locate which parathyroid glands needed to be removed. Thanks to advances in technology, however, MIRP surgery can now be utilized to shorten incisions, streamline treatment and achieve optimal results for patients.
Conditions Treated by MIRP Surgery
A minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy is used to treat parathyroid disease, or hyperparathyroidism. This condition occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands located in the neck overproduce PTH, causing an abnormal increase in blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and symptoms that can include chronic fatigue, muscle pain, moodiness, kidney stones and osteoporosis.
MIRP Procedure Details
During a minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy, a surgeon uses intraoperative nuclear mapping and a small, radioguided probe to determine which parathyroid glands are abnormal. (Without this technology, surgeons must remove parathyroid glands based solely on what they see after opening the neck, sometimes leading to mistakes.) The abnormal glands are then removed usually through a one-inch incision.
Benefits & Risks of MIRP Surgery
Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy surgery has a cure rate of nearly 100%, which is as high or higher than that of a traditional parathyroidectomy. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis—most patients can return home in just one or two hours.
All surgical procedures carry risks such as infection, nerve injury and blood loss. Since MIRP surgery only requires a one-inch incision in the neck, though, the likelihood of experiencing complications or damaging any healthy parathyroid glands is greatly reduced.
Become a TGH Patient
TGH’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute is home to award-winning surgeons Drs. Douglas Politz and José López who have performed more than 14,000 parathyroidectomy procedures combined to date—more than any other surgical team in the past 10 years. Focusing solely on parathyroid disorders and relied upon to educate other specialists, our surgeons offer a level of expertise that simply cannot be matched.
To schedule a fee-free consultation at TGH, call (813) 844-8335 or complete a patient intake form on our website. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you may have.
