Low blood calcium: If one parathyroid gland is removed complications are unusual. If all 4 glands are removed blood calcium levels develop immediately and if untreated lead to tingling and cramps and occasionally a seizure. A nerve supplying a vocal cord could also be damaged and cause hoarseness.
Answered 3/19/2014
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Some: Parathyroid surgery risks include anesthesia, bleeding, infection, scar, injury to nerve that moves vocal cord, need for further surgery/failure to remove all necessary glands, and need for oral supplementation. In experienced hands, this is minimized. Ask your surgeon their experience with this procedure.
Answered 12/11/2012
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