There are 4 parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid. These glands secrete the thyroid hormone which regulates your blood calcium level.
The purpose of the parathyroid gland is absolute control over calcium levels throughout the body.

How do I know if surgery is needed?
Occasionally one or more of the Parathyroid glands may become overactive and allow your calcium level to become very high. This can cause complications including kidney stones, osteoporosis, memory difficulty and kidney disease.

How is it treated?
Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the offending gland(s). Often this can be done using minimally invasive techniques through small cosmetically appealing incisions. Your surgeon will be able to tell what type of procedure is best for you.