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Read MoreEndocrine surgery treats hormone disorders by removing all or part of an affected gland. Surgery may include the removal of a tumor or an overactive gland.
What is Endocrine Surgery?
Endocrine surgery focuses on treating disorders of hormone-producing glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas.
Common issues treated with endocrine surgery include adrenal tumors, hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, goiters, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules and various types of thyroid cancer. By removing all or part of an affected gland, endocrine surgery aims to restore hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms caused by hormone overproduction or underproduction, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life.
Common endocrine surgeries include:
Adrenalectomy:
The removal of one or both adrenal glands that control sex hormones and cortisol
Parathyroidectomy:
The removal of one or more of your four parathyroid glands, which control your calcium and phosphorus levels
Thyroidectomy:
The removal of part or all of your thyroid gland, which controls metabolism
Pancreatectomy:
The removal of part or all of your pancreas, usually to remove a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET)
How Endocrine Surgery Works
Endocrine surgery is performed by specialized surgeons who focus on disorders of the endocrine system. Typically, an endocrinologist will diagnose a hormonal imbalance and determine if surgery is necessary. These procedures often use minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. The goal is to remove part or all of a problematic gland to restore hormonal balance.
What to Expect When You Have Endocrine Surgery
Before surgery, your healthcare team will provide pre-op instructions, which may include fasting and avoiding certain medications or supplements. You might also need tests such as blood tests, imaging scans, bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, upper endoscopy or needle biopsy. The procedure takes place in a hospital under general anesthesia, often using minimally invasive techniques for a quicker recovery. The length of your surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure. After surgery, tissue may be sent for a biopsy to check for cancer, which could determine if further treatment is needed. Depending on the procedure, you may need medication temporarily or for life—like thyroid hormones after total thyroidectomy. Patients receive ongoing care to monitor hormone levels and overall health.
