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Parathyroidectomy

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Definition:

Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumors.

Alternative Names:

Removal of parathyroid gland; Parathyroid gland removal

Description:

Parathyroidectomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Sometimes it is done with regional anesthesia (awake, but pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the neck just under the Adam's apple and locates the four parathyroid glands.

The particular problem or disease will determine how many of the parathyroid glands are removed. Usually, some parathyroid tissue is left in place to help prevent hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone).

Indications:

Parathyroidectomy is recommended when one or more parathyroid glands are producing excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone . This condition is called hyperparathyroidism .

• Review Date: 10/16/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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