In this Article

• What are the parathyroid glands?
• What is a parathyroidectomy?
• What is hyperparathyroidism?
• What causes hyperparathyroidism?
• When is a parathyroidectomy necessary and how is it performed?
• What are the risks of parathyroidectomy?
• What are the possible complications of parathyroidectomy?
• What else do you need to know before parathyroidectomy?
• What about care after parathyroidectomy?
• When should I contact the doctor?
• Parathyroidectomy Index

When should patients contact their doctor?

Patients should contact their doctor if they notice:

1. A sudden increase in the amount of bruising and pain associated with excessive swelling of the neck and difficulty breathing.

2. A fever greater than 101.5 degrees F that persists despite increasing the amount of fluid they drink and acetaminophen (Tylenol). (A person with a fever should try to drink approximately one cup of fluid each waking hour.)

3. Drainage from the wound.

4. Spasms or severe cramps in the muscles or twitching of the face. If this occurs, patients should call their surgeon immediately and be ready to have their blood calcium level determined.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Hyperparathyroidism - Learn about hyperparathyroidism, a parathyroid disorder. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and more. Diagnosis and treatment options are discussed in the material.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan

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