Standard surgical treatment for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism?

• A. Thyroidectomy
• B. Subtotal gastrectomy
• C. Parathyroidectomy
• D. Pancreatectomy

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the cure for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is surgical removal of the overactive parathyroid tissue—parathyroidectomy. The body's parathyroids produce too much hormone, driving high calcium levels and related symptoms. Removing the abnormal gland(s) addresses the root cause directly, whereas removing the thyroid, stomach, or pancreas would not treat the parathyroid problem. Parathyroidectomy can be highly curative, especially when a single adenoma is responsible; surgeons may use preoperative localization to perform a focused neck exploration, though more extensive exploration is done if needed. After the operation, calcium levels must be monitored because of potential hypocalcemia or transient hungry-bone syndrome, and autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue may be considered if all glands are removed.