Parathyroid Surgery in Birmingham, AL
Specialized Surgical Care by Mayo Clinic Trained Surgeon Adam Harris, MD
The parathyroid glands serve as the body's primary regulator for calcium, a mineral essential for bone health, nerve conduction, and heart function. The glands secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone or PTH. When one or more of these four glands develops a benign overgrowth, known as an adenoma, it can overproduce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This leads to Hyperparathyroidism—a condition where too much calcium is removed from the bones and pushed into the bloodstream, triggering a cascade of systemic health issues.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Harris utilizes surgical techniques designed to maximize safety, minimize scarring, and speed up recovery:
- Targeted Parathyroidectomy: Precision removal of overactive parathyroid glands to restore your body’s natural calcium equilibrium.
- Nerve Monitoring: Used to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerves which control the voice box.
- Aesthetic Incisions: Small incisions placed within natural neck creases to ensure the most discreet scarring possible.
Frequently Asked Questions on Parathyroid Surgery
Is Parathyroid Surgery considered urgent?
Parathyroid surgery is considered as an elective but essential procedure to prevent long-term systemic damage. Hyperparathyroidism is a progressive condition. The longer it remains untreated, the greater the impact can be on your body. Although you may not need surgery tomorrow, postponing a necessary parathyroidectomy can lead to several serious medical complications including:
- Skeletal Integrity: Chronic overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) strips calcium from your bones, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. Bone pain and muscle weakness can also occur.
- Renal Health: Excess calcium from the blood is filtered by the kidneys and can result in kidney stones. Increased urination can also occur cause dehydration as well. Hyperparathyroidism can also lead to nephrocalcinosis which are small calcium deposits in the kidney that can cause renal failure.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Elevated calcium levels are linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues and can unnecessary stress on the heart.
- Quality of Life: Many patients suffer persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, mood disturbances, cognitive fog, as well anxiety and depression. Although the cause of these symptoms can be multifactorial, correcting the underlying endocrine issue can improve and sometimes cure these symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Patients can struggle with constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, acid reflux and in rare cases pancreatitis.
Why is my calcium level important after Parathyroid surgery?
The parathyroid glands regulate your body's calcium. Even if we are only removing one diseased gland, the others can sometimes be sluggish and secrete less hormone following surgery. To prevent low calcium levels and symptoms like tingling in the fingers or muscle cramps, we have patients take Tums after surgery for a week or sometimes longer.
How long do you stay in the hospital after parathyroid surgery?
Patients usually go home the same day after parathyroid surgery. However, sometime patients stay in the hospital overnight if there is concern the calcium levels may drop too much. Dr. Harris will assess how long you'll need to stay in the hospital.
What is the recovery time for parathyroid surgery?
Everyone is different especially in their response to general anesthesia but usually patients are back pretty close to normal within one week. There may be some hoarseness and neck soreness but these are usually minimal and resolve in a week or two. There is a small risk of injury to the nerves that control the vocal cords.
Will I have a large visible scar?
Dr. Harris uses as small an incision as possible usually placed within a natural neck crease ensure the most aesthetic result. Patients with a larger neck require larger incisions.
Hear from patients
“I was having a lot of problems with my calcium being very high . I had to have my two parathyroid glands removed . Dr. Harris did an amazing job on my surgery. I would recommend him to anyone . He took time to listen and to answer every question and concern I had . He has the best bedside manner . I was really nervous the first time meeting him but before I left his office the very first day , I felt very comfortable with him. He talked to me like we had known one another for years . After my surgery , he personally called every day to check on me.”
Contact A Parathyroid Surgeon Today
Dr. Adam S. Harris, M.D. is a board-certified General Surgeon in Birmingham, AL specializing in endocrine surgery of the parathyroid. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adam Harris please call (205) 995-9700.
Medically Reviewed by Adam Harris, MD | Updated on January 28, 2026
This content is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.