The four parathyroid glands are found on the back of the thyroid, inside your neck.

The parathyroid glands help control the amount of calcium in the body.

A parathyroidectomy is a surgery done to remove one of the parathyroid glands when it's too active or causes other problems.

In some cases, more than one of the glands may be removed.

Before your surgery, you'll get medicine called anesthetics.

They'll help you sleep, so you won't feel any pain.

The doctor will make a cut called an "incision" in the front of your neck.

And then the gland or glands are removed through the incision.

You might have a tube called a surgical drain in your neck to let fluid out of the cut.

The drain is usually taken out before you go home.

Before the surgery, tell your doctor about all the medicines and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners, including aspirin.

Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or cause problems with anesthesia.

Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your surgery.

And follow your doctor's directions for preparing for your surgery, including when you should stop eating and drinking.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any other paperwork your hospital may have asked for.

Surgery may be stressful.

But knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your doctor.