MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Parathyroidectomy

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Parathyroidectomy

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.

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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