Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Parathyroidectomy - series: Indications

 Indications

Parathyroidectomy - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indications
  • Procedure
  • Aftercare

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

    Hyperparathyroidism leads to excess calcium levels in the blood, which may result in symptoms such as muscle spasm or tetany, bone loss (osteoporosis), kidney disease, including kidney stones, psychiatric problems, including depression, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

    Update Date: 10/16/2006

    Updated 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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