Parathyroidectomy

A parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much of the hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is an effective treatment for hyperparathyroidism, as it can reduce the levels of PTH back to the normal range, thus alleviating the symptoms that accompany the condition. Parathyroidectomy is also sometimes used as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of complications associated with high PTH levels, such as kidney stones and bone fractures. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and usually involves the removal of one or more of the abnormal parathyroid glands. Recovery time is relatively short, and the patient is usually discharged within one to two days.