This procedure is used to remove an adenoma or hyperplasia of these glands when they are producing excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH): hyperparathyroidism.

When an elevated PTH level is found, a sestamibi scan or an ultrasound may be performed in order to confirm the presence and location of abnormal parathyroid tissue.

This situation arises mainly in people with severe chronic kidney disease in which the parathyroid glands are overactive to compensate for the low calcium and vitamin D levels often present in CKD.

The surgeon makes an incision around an inch long in the neck just under the larynx (Adam's apple), and locates the offending parathyroid glands.

However, the remaining parathyroid glands may take hours to several weeks to return to their normal functioning levels (as they may have become dormant).

[5] While mild hypocalcemia is common after partial parathyroidectomy, some people experience persistently prolonged low calcium levels.

Despite the reactivation of unresected parathyroid glands producing normal to elevated levels of PTH, serum calcium continues to be low.