Parathyroidectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Seek care immediately if:

• You cough up blood.
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have trouble swallowing or talking, or you lose your voice.
• You feel anxious, frightened, and uneasy.
• You have the following symptoms of low blood calcium:
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle spasms or muscle tightening
  • Numbness or tingling around your face, hands, or feet
  • A seizure

Contact your healthcare provider or surgeon if:

• You have a fever.
• Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have pain in your neck area that does not go away, or gets worse even after you take your pain medicine.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Follow up with your healthcare provider or surgeon as directed:

You will need to return to have tests, your incision checked, and your drain or stitches removed. You may be referred to an endocrinologist. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Wound care:

Check your wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. You may need to wash the wound with soap and water. Pat the area dry and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Check your drain when you change the bandages. Do not pull the drain out.

Take supplements as directed:

You may need to take calcium medicine to keep your blood calcium level normal. It may also help prevent and treat bone loss. Your healthcare provider may also tell you to take vitamin D to help your body absorb the calcium.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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