If you've been told you have the diagnosis of elevated calcium, hypercalcemia or likely have hyperparathyroidism, but you haven't been provided with a clear road forward, then this book is speaking to you.
The Patient's Guide to Hyperparathyroidism written by Dr. Lawrence Gordon, provides a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the decisions influencing your care when you have been diagnosed with hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism.
There is uniform agreement in the medical profession that patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism require surgery for removal of the abnormal parathyroid adenoma. You may not be experiencing any of the common signs or symptoms such as bone pain, kidney stones, or abdominal discomfort; nevertheless, the constantly elevated parathyroid hormone level is causing thinning of your bones and abnormally elevated calcium. Ultimately, this leads to osteoporosis, which may result in bone fractures in later years of life. The “wait” strategy is no longer considered a reasonable option for most people.
Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Surgery
The traditional parathyroid operation technique requires the parathyroid surgeon to place a large incision in the neck to locate and examine the four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid. The tumorous gland or glands are then located and removed. Patients that opt for traditional surgery require at least one night of hospitalization. In the end, the patient is left with a larger inch scar on the neck.
Here at the Advanced Parathyroid Surgery of New York, we use a different surgical approach. We perform minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. This is an outpatient procedure that requires a small incision, it can be performed rapidly, and most patients can return home the same day. Over 90% of our surgeries are completed in less than 30 minutes. This also enables a shorter hospital stay. However, the length of the procedure is less important than ensuring that your surgery is performed meticulously and safely.
Although most patients can go home the same day, we will not discharge a patient who needs observation. Your safety and comfort are paramount.
With a much smaller scar and quicker recovery time, most patients opt for the minimally invasive surgical approach.
