Parathyroidectomy Risks and Benefits

Parathyroidectomy is an operation in which one or more parathyroid glands are removed. This operation is performed to control hyperparathyroidism (over activity of the parathyroid glands) which is either caused by a benign tumor of one or more of the glands (parathyroid adenoma) or generalized growth and over activity of all of the glands (parathyroid hyperplasia).

In rare instances surgery is performed on the parathyroid glands in order to remove a parathyroid cancer. Hyperparathyroidism is associated with loss of calcium from the bones (osteoporosis) elevated serum calcium (hypercalcemia) generalized weakness and fatigue lethargy kidney stones stomach ulcers joint aches and pains and constipation. Any operation has general risks including reactions to the anesthetic excess scar formation Lung infections blood clots heart and circulation problems and wound infection.