Parathyroidectomy - series

Parathyroidectomy is recommended when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism). This can cause excess calcium in the blood, and lead to such symptoms as muscle spasm or tetany, bone weakness (osteoporosis), kidney disease, including kidney stones, psychiatric problems, including depression, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In many cases, however, patients have no symptoms, and blood calcium levels are found to be elevated on routine blood tests.

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.