Question 1
This patient has had elevated calcium levels since April. Treatment with fluids, diuretics, and biphosphonates has not been successful. After discussion of the risks and benefits of parathyroidectomy, the patient consented to surgery. She underwent a parathyroidectomy and tolerated the procedure well. She will have calcium levels drawn every week for four weeks in my office. She knows to call for any signs of infection around the surgical site.
Code(s): __________
Question 2
This 45-year-old male presents with a six-month history of neck pain, right shoulder pain, and pain radiating on the outer aspect of the right arm. He was found to have wasting of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles, and EMG confirmed a C6 radiculopathy. After failure of conservative measures, surgery was recommended. Hence, he underwent an anterior cervical discectomy for his C5-C6 disc herniation. The procedure was performed and general anesthesia was reversed. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no signs or symptoms of nerve damage. He will be followed in my clinic after discharge.
Code(s): __________