PARATHYROIDECTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of parathyroid tumors or the parathyroid glands.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Parathyroid glands (at least 4 glands, sometimes up to 7).

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Hyperparathyroidism (see Illness section).
• Cancer or suspected cancer.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking; stress.
• Poor nutrition; alcoholism.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of upper gastrointestinal tract; CT scan of neck; sonogram (See Glossary for both).
• During surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue by frozen section (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies; laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the neck just under the Adam's apple.
• The parathyroid glands are located. A section of one is cut free, removed, frozen and examined.
• If a benign tumor is detected, it is removed. If the tissue is an enlarged, overactive gland rather than a tumor, all except one of the other parathyroid glands are cut free and removed. One of the glands is left in place to help prevent hypoparathyroidism.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Hypoparathyroidism.
• Inadvertent injury to thyroid gland or vocal-cord nerves.
• Kidney stones.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 to 4 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--

prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

• Don't take thiazide diuretics or antacids that contain calcium. These may cause calcium, potassium or sodium imbalance.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous activity for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 2 weeks after returning home.

DIET---Your doctor will prescribe a diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.
• You have numbness or tingling around the mouth or hands.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.