What are Parathyroid Glands?

The four parathyroid glands in your neck are amazing little regulators. With a little help from vitamin D, they draw more calcium into your bloodstream when you need it. And they let it go back into your bones or out through your kidneys when you have too much. It’s a very specific job, but one that affects everything from your blood pressure and bone health to your energy level and mood.

Sometimes, however, one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes overactive. It releases too much parathyroid hormone (PTH) into your bloodstream. The excess PTH draws more calcium into the blood than you need, more calcium than is healthy for your body. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism, and it can lead to everything from chronic fatigue and depression to high blood pressure, kidney stones, bone loss, and even more serious health risks.

The symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can be subtle, and they sometimes take a long time to show up. Fortunately, today we can detect hyperparathyroidism much earlier. The first sign that something is wrong is usually a routine blood test that reveals a high calcium level. When your blood work shows a high calcium level, we do a follow-up test of your PTH level. If your PTH level is also high, you almost certainly have hyperparathyroidism.

With minimally invasive outpatient surgery  — one precise and tiny little incision — we can remove the overactive parathyroid gland, leaving behind the three healthy remaining glands. The cure is almost always immediate.

If you are diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, there’s a sure and simple cure. With minimally invasive outpatient surgery  — one precise and tiny little incision — we can remove the overactive parathyroid gland, leaving behind the three healthy remaining glands.
The cure is almost always immediate.

The Review of Patient Records is Included in the Consult Fee; There is no Additional Charge

“I love this work. It’s like a treasure hunt every day, and when I find the treasure, the patient is cured.”

Dr. John S. Kennedy

Meet Dr. John S. Kennedy

Dr. John S. Kennedy of DeKalb Surgical Associates is one of the nation’s leading experts in parathyroid surgery to cure hyperparathyroidism. A past president of the Georgia Surgical Society, he has repeatedly been recognized as a Top Doctor by U.S. News and World Report. Whether you live in the Atlanta, Georgia area or are traveling to us for the procedure, you will be in the skilled hands of a surgeon who has removed hundreds of unhealthy parathyroids using the latest techniques. 97% of his patients are immediately cured of hyperparathyroidism, and all their related symptoms and health risks soon go away.

Patient Comments and Reviews

“Thank you Dr. Kennedy for relieving my anxiety, and giving me understanding how to alleviate my concerns, Tracy thank you for ease of appointments and concern for my health issues. You all were a blessing to me.”

Lacina B.

“Dr. Kennedy and the all the staff were very kind, helpful and patient. Could not have had a better visit. Thank you all!”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“Entire visit was very comforting, with excellent care and concern by Dr. Kennedy and every other staff personnel.”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“Dr. Kennedy is an excellent surgeon and actually sits down to answer questions, making you feel like he has all the time in the world to spend with you!”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“It’s very IMPORTANT that when you come in for your visit that the FRONT DESK employees are KIND AND INFORMATIVE…Ms.Traci (don’t know her last name) was very kind and sweet; that made me feel better; she has a relaxing spirit. Dr. Kennedy is kind and has a very calming spirit and just an ALL AROUND GREAT DOCTOR and person.”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“I just want to thank you for how wonderful I feel after my parathyroid removal surgery.  It has been 2 weeks and I feel great.  I am very pleased with how my scar is healing. I can’t believe how much energy I have now.  The joint and bone aches I was experiencing are gone.  I am so pleased and happy.”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“Your staff was amazing throughout this procedure.  I have never experienced such a caring medical staff.  You are a true angel from our Lord.  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient

“I can’t thank you enough for what you have done. No symptoms of any kind and my calcium levels are finally normal.”

Parathyroid Atlanta Patient