Experience Matters!

• Does the surgeon specialize in parathryoidectomies?
• How many years has the surgeon been performing parathyroidectomies?
• How many does the surgeon perform daily/weekly/monthly?
• How many parathyroidectomies has the surgeon performed to date?
• Does the surgeon do a pre-operative sestamibi scan? What happens if the scan is negative? Will the surgeon still do the surgery?

Surgical Methods Matter!

• What is the typical length for the surgery? The time required can vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon. Are we talking minutes or hours?
• What type of anesthesia is required for the surgical procedure?
• What method does the surgeon use to locate the tumor(s)?
• Does the surgeon perform minimally invasive parathyroid surgery (MIP) ?
• Does the surgeon perform minimally invasive radio guided surgery (MIRP) ?
• Is the surgery done on an out-patient basis or is an overnight stay required ?

Success Matters!

• There is always a possibility that there is more than one tumor. Does the surgeon check all 4 parathyroid glands during the surgery? If all 4 are check, what advanced techniques do they use or do they explore? (Exploring creates scar tissue that may prevent a cure if a second surgery needs to be performed.)
• Will PTH levels be monitored during surgery to help ensure all adenomas have been found? How long does each of the measurements take?
• What other methods, if any do they use to help ensure success?
• What is the surgeon’s success rate?
• What complications may possibly arise?

Follow-Up Matters!

• Will the surgeon be available for follow-up questions/appointments?
• What will their role be if complications develop following surgery?
• What is your surgeons recommendations for Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D supplementation post surgery?

Download / Print : Questions For Surgeons PDF