Parathyroidectomy-Conventional
Parathyroidectomy—Conventional
(Parathyroidectomy—Open; Parathyroidectomy—Standard; Parathyroid Gland Removal—Conventional; Parathyroid Gland Removal—Open; Parathyroid Gland Removal—Standard)
Definition
| Parathyroid Glands and Thyroid Glands (Back View) |
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Reasons for Procedure
Possible Complications
- Bleeding
- Hoarseness
- Low calcium levels in the blood
- Wound infection
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Skin tethering—tissues and skin may become attached to the voice box or windpipe
- Scarring
- Blocked airway
- Damage to nerves (which can cause problems like paralyzed vocal cords)
- Smoking
- Heart and lung problems
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
- Do a physical exam and ask you about your medical history
- Order imaging scans (eg, ultrasound)
- Have blood tests done
- Arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital after surgery.
- Avoid eating or drinking 6-8 hours before surgery.
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Talk to your doctor about your medicines, herbs, and dietary supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, ibuprofen , naproxen )
- Blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Anti-platelet drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix)
Anesthesia
Description of the Procedure
How Long Will It Take?
How Much Will It Hurt?
Average Hospital Stay
Post-procedure Care
- Observe you in the recovery room
- Check on your ability to swallow and speak
- Show you how to change your dressings and care for your wound
- Remove the drain if one was placed during surgery
- You may be given calcium supplements.
- Check your wound daily for signs of infection.
- You may want to eat semi-solid foods, like ice cream or oatmeal, for the first few days. These types of foods will be easier to swallow.
- Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Call Your Doctor
- Tingling or numbness in the fingertips, toes, hands, or around the mouth
- Twitching or cramping of muscles
- Redness, warmth, drainage, or swelling around the area where surgery was done
- Difficulty swallowing, talking, or breathing
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
RESOURCES
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) http://www.entnet.org/
The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/
National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca/
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology http://www.entcanada.org/
References
Farndon JR. Postoperative complications of parathyroidectomy. In: Holzheimer RG, Mannick JA. Surgical Treatment: Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented. Munich, Germany: Zuckschwerdt; 2001. National Center for Biotechnology Information website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6967/ . Accessed February 19, 2011.
Parathyroid surgery. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient%5Feducation/parathyroid/surgery%5Foverview.shtml . Accessed February 19, 2011.
Parathyroidectomy. Baylor College of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.debakeydepartmentofsurgery.org/home/content.cfm?proc%5Fname=Parathyroidectomy&content%5Fid=274 . Updated February 18, 2011. Accessed February 19, 2011.
Parathyroidectomy. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: http://acromegalysupport.org/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Head-and-Neck-Cancer-Center/Treatment/Parathyroidectomy.aspx . Accessed February 19, 2011.
6/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
