What are the risks from parathyroid surgery?

See below: Depends on how it is being done, minimal incision or full neck incision. Depends on if it is for only one parathyroid gland, or if all four glands are being evaluated at surgery. Low risk of nerve damage to the vocal cord, low risk of infection, low risk of bleeding and swelling after surgery. Low risk of not being able to locate the offending gland at surgery requiring another surgery later.

Risks of surgery: Parathyroid surgery is very safe if done by a competent surgeon. It can also be done as an outpatient. The leading risk is a failed surgery with respect to persistent high calcium, 3-5%. Less frequent risks are permanent hoarseness or low calcium (hypoparathyroidism). The approach, minimally invasive vs. traditional, is less important than having an experienced, high volume surgeon.