Parathyroidectomy-surgical-setup

Mayo stand and back table instruments for Parathyroidectomy surgery setup

Clamping & Occluding

  • Allis Forceps

    Allis Forceps

  • Hemostatic Clip Applier

    Hemostatic Clip Applier

  • Kelly Forceps

    Kelly Forceps

  • Mosquito Clamp – Curved

    Mosquito Clamp – Curved

  • Rienhoff Swan-Neck Clamp

    Rienhoff Swan-Neck Clamp

  • Right Angle Clamp

    Right Angle Clamp

Cutting & Dissecting

  • #3 Knife Handle

    #3 Knife Handle

  • Metzenbaum Scissor

    Metzenbaum Scissor

  • Straight Mayo Scissor

    Straight Mayo Scissor

Grasping & Holding

  • Adson Forceps

    Adson Forceps

  • Debakey Forceps

    Debakey Forceps

  • Smooth Adson

    Smooth Adson

Retracting & Exposing

  • Freer Skin Hook

    Freer Skin Hook

  • Lahey Thyroid Retractor

    Lahey Thyroid Retractor

  • Mahorner Thyroid Retractor

    Mahorner Thyroid Retractor

  • Richardson Retractor

    Richardson Retractor

  • Weitlaner Retractor

    Weitlaner Retractor

Suctioning

  • Ferg-Frazier Suction

    Ferg-Frazier Suction

  • Yankauer Suction

    Yankauer Suction

Suturing & Stapling

  • Mayo-Hegar Needle Holder

    Mayo-Hegar Needle Holder

  • Ryder Needle Holder

    Ryder Needle Holder

What to expect during Parathyroidectomy

A Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for regulating the calcium levels in the body. This procedure is typically done to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, resulting in elevated calcium levels in the blood. The surgery involves making an incision in the neck and dissecting the gland, while ensuring the surrounding structures such as the thyroid gland, nerves, and blood vessels are not damaged.

Position
supine with neck extended

Equipment
nerve monitor probe (surgeon’s preference) I like to keep mine in my bovie holster since they are thin and somewhat sharp

Step 1: Making the Incision
The first step in the Parathyroidectomy procedure is making an incision along the collar in the neck crease using a 15 blade. The surgical technologist must hand the blade to the surgeon while maintaining a sterile field. After making the incision, the surgeon will use small retractors like skin hooks or Richardsons to dissect down to the thyroid.

Step 2: Tying Off Vessels
As the surgeon continues to dissect down to the thyroid, they may come across vessels that require tying off. Surgical technologists must ensure that silk ties are readily available to the surgeon to tie off any vessels that require ligation. It’s crucial to have a variety of different-sized clip appliers available in case the surgeon decides to use them.

Step 3: Obtaining a Baseline Sample
After the thyroid is exposed, the surgical team will take a sample of PTH serum to establish a baseline. The surgical technologist must ensure that the necessary instruments for this procedure, such as a PTH kit and a sterile syringe, are readily available.

Step 4: Dissecting the Gland
The surgeon will continue to dissect the rest of the gland from the thyroid, and another PTH sample will be taken and sent STAT to the lab. During this step, the surgical technologist must ensure that the surgeon has access to the necessary instruments, such as dissectors and scissors.

Step 5: Closing the Incision
Once the gland has been completely dissected, the surgeon will check the PTH levels to ensure they are within an acceptable range. If the levels are good, the incision will be irrigated and closed. The surgical technologist must hand the necessary instruments to the surgeon while maintaining a sterile field.

The Surgery Sparknotes

  1. Make an incision along the collar in the neck crease using a 15 blade.
  2. Ensure silk ties are available to tie off vessels.
  3. Obtain a baseline PTH sample.
  4. Dissect the gland using dissectors and scissors.
  5. Check PTH levels and irrigate and close the incision.
Setup options: Login to see options

4 thoughts on “Parathyroidectomy

    • Diana Lei-aloha says:

      Good question! During a parathyroid surgery, the parathyroid gland that is attached to the thyroid is removed, whereas in a thyroidectomy the thyroid itself is removed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 256 MB. You can upload: image, audio. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here