Recommendation 3-2: Parathyroidectomy is indicated when the serum calcium level is greater than 1 mg/dL above normal, regardless of whether objective symptoms are present or absent (strong recommendation; low-quality evidence).

When should a parathyroidectomy be done?

Your health care provider may recommend this surgery if one or more of your parathyroid glands is producing too much parathyroid hormone. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism. It is often caused by a small non-cancerous (benign) tumor called an adenoma.

When is surgery recommended for hyperparathyroidism?

Indications for surgery include the following : Serum calcium >1 mg/dL above the upper limit of the reference range. Bone mineral density T-score at or below -2.5 (in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women and in men aged 50 years or older) at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, or distal 1/3 radius.