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Parathyroidectomy

Parathyroidectomy

Overview

In a parathyroidectomy procedure a small horizontal incision is created just under the Adam's apple to get access to the parathyroid glands. Parathyroidectomy is recommended when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism). After surgery, complete healing without complications usually occurs within 4 weeks. The long term outlook is excellent.

Review Date 9/30/2024

Updated by: Jonas DeMuro, MD, Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery with added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.