To complete this operation safely with a high rate of success, this standard bilateral neck exploration is almost always performed using general anesthesia. General anesthesia, however, is extremely safe. Because of the concern over general anesthesia, a 3 to 4 inch incision on the neck, and the risks of damage to the nerves to the voice box, some physicians elect not to send patients for this operation until they develop symptoms or have a significant loss of bone density. This means of management may or may not be in the best interests of the patient. You need to discuss the pros and cons of this safe and routine operation with your endocrinologist and weigh the risks of surgery versus continued monitoring of your body calcium stores.
Many patients can have an outpatient procedure to cure hyperparathyroidism.
Copyright 1997, 1998.