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Parathyroidectomy

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Parathyroid Gland Disorders

Abstract

Successful parathyroidectomy requires an understanding of the embryology and anatomy of the parathyroid glands (PTGs). The superior PTGs have less anatomical variation than the inferior glands. Most parathyroidectomies are performed for primary hyperparathyroidism, the most common cause of which is parathyroid adenoma, accounting for 75–90% of cases. Four-gland hyperplasia can be asymmetric with some glands being very large and others appearing closer to normal in size, shape, and appearance. While, primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when parathyroid hormone (PTH) level is inappropriately elevated in relation to the serum calcium level, secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when PTH is elevated as the result of another cause, most commonly vitamin D deficiency and renal failure. Tertiary hyperparathyroidism occurs when glands affected by secondary hyperparathyroidism become autonomous and are no longer controlled by the normal feedback mechanisms. This chapter discusses the indications and contraindications of parathyroidectomy, pre-operative care, technical approaches as well as the different methods of parathyroidectomy including bilateral neck dissection, minimally-invasive parathyroidectomy, minimally-invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy and video-assisted parathyroidectomy. This chapter explores also the potential complications that may be encountered during the procedure.

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Sakr, M.F. (2022). Parathyroidectomy. In: Parathyroid Gland Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07418-9_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07418-9_18

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