Parathyroid surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals who suffer from hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism is a debilitating condition that can cause a wide range of health problems, including kidney stones, osteoporosis, and fatigue. Thankfully, parathyroid surgery has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for this condition, giving patients a new lease on life.
The operation is minimally invasive and typically only takes a short time to complete. Moreover, the recovery time is typically very fast, with most patients being able to return to their daily routines in just a few days. With so many benefits to parathyroid surgery, it is truly inspiring to see how it can transform the lives of those who suffer from hyperparathyroidism. After removing the abnormal parathyroid gland(s), your blood calcium levels will no longer be elevated. As a result, you'll be safeguarded from the short and long-term consequences of calcium elevation.
The team at ENT and Allergy Associates is ready to help you overcome this condition so that you can live a fuller and more active lifestyle.
Understanding Hyperparathyroidism
Discovering the root cause of fatigue can be challenging. However, if you're experiencing hypercalcemia, a condition that can result from hyperparathyroidism, you may want to consider consulting with a medical professional at ENT and Allergy Associates.
The parathyroid glands regulate serum calcium levels, and when one or more glands become independent, they can produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) even when it is not necessary. This can lead to hypercalcemia, which can result in kidney stones, osteoporosis, brittle bones that can easily fracture, and abdominal pain.
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Bone thinning
- Kidney stones
- Decreased alertness
- Frequent urination
- Joint discomfort
Some patients with hyperparathyroidism are asymptomatic. Speak with a healthcare provider at ENT and Allergy Associates to determine if testing for hyperparathyroidism is necessary.
What to Expect with Parathyroid Surgery
Parathyroidectomy is typically used to treat hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroidectomy, also known as parathyroid surgery, is a procedure that involves the removal of some or all of the parathyroid glands. These glands play a crucial role in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood. When they malfunction and cause high-calcium blood levels, parathyroid surgery becomes necessary to remove the affected glands. By removing the abnormal glands responsible for these symptoms, parathyroidectomy can effectively correct the condition and restore normal calcium levels in the blood.
During the surgical procedure, you will be administered a general anesthetic, which ensures that you will not feel any discomfort. The surgeon will make a small incision in your neck, strategically placed for aesthetic purposes, to extract some or all of your parathyroid glands, based on the diagnosis. Following the removal, the incision will be meticulously sutured beneath the skin.
Parathyroid Surgery Recovery
After the procedure, most patients are usually sent home and it is possible to experience swelling and discomfort in your neck. Depending on your calcium level, you may need to take extra calcium to prevent symptoms of low calcium, such as occasional numbness and tingling in your limbs. Rest assured that we will closely monitor your recovery process and provide the necessary support.
If you’re dealing with hyperparathyroidism – or if you’re not sure if that’s the issue – the teams at ENT and Allergy Associates are ready to help you find answers and get a handle on your condition. We have over 25 years of experience and are the largest ENT, allergy, and audiology practice in the United States. We have access to the largest pool of board-certified physicians in our fields and use the latest technology to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.
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