Parathyroidectomy

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for parathyroidectomy. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: preoperative localization, obtain baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, develop subplatysmal flaps, divide strap muscles, identify and excise the abnormal parathyroid gland, obtain 5- and 10-minute post-excision PTH level, and confirm adequate drop in PTH levels.