Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
The major risk of parathyroidectomy is injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (a nerve that lies very near the parathyroid glands and serves the larynx or voice box). If this nerve is injured, the voice may become hoarse or weak.
Occasionally,...
too much parathyroid tissue is removed, and a person may develop hypoparathyroidism (under-functioning of the parathyroid glands). If this occurs, he or she will require daily calcium supplements.
In some cases, the surgeon is unable to locate all of the parathyroid glands, and cannot remove them in one procedure. A fifth or sixth gland may be located in an aberrant place such as the chest (ectopic parathyroid). If this occurs, the hyperparathyroidism may not be corrected with one operation, and a second procedure may be required to find all of the patient's remaining parathyroid gland tissue.
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
Also known as "Parathyroid gland removal", Parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands. This procedure is used to remove primary tumors or hyperplasia of the glands, especially when they produce excessive parathyroid hormone. As drugs such as Fosamax do not treat the underlying cause of parathyroid-related osteoporosis, surgery is the only cure. Bone loss is reversible.
The location of the glands is generally behind the thyroid, but there is a lot of variation. Usually, the location of an enlarged gland has been confirmed via a sestamibi scan or on ultrasound.
Other Information
In 2000 a study showed that forty-five percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Studies indicated that Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was 75 to 100% effective in eliminating or significantly reducing snoring.
From: BNET
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.