Parathyroidectomy
Alternate Names : Parathyroid Gland Removal, Removal of Parathyroid Gland
DefinitionParathyroidectomy is surgery to remove parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumors.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Description
Parathyroidectomy is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the neck just under the Adam's apple. The four parathyroid glands are located.
For partial parathyroidectomy, three of the glands are removed, leaving one to help prevent hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone).
For a total parathyroidectomy, all four glands are removed. The incision is then closed. With this procedure, some of the parathyroid gland tissue is usually re-implanted in the forearm or neck muscles so that some parathyroid hormone will still be produced in the body and hypoparathyroidism can be avoided.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks.
| • | Gene Governs Response to Leukemia Chemotherapy - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common pediatric cancer. | • | Teen Birth Rate Up in 26 States in 2006 - Jan 07, 2009, 14:00
Highest rates in South, Southwest; lowest rates in Northeast, government reports. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 7, 2009 - Jan 07, 2009, 09:58
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
| • | Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear. |
|
