Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Endocrine Surgery Service
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Endocrine Surgery?

Endocrine surgery is a type of surgery that focuses on treating disorders of the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Endocrine surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as thyroid and parathyroid disorders, adrenal gland tumors, and pancreatic tumors. The goal of endocrine surgery is to remove the affected gland or tumor, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, in order to maintain hormonal balance and minimize the risk of complications.

 2. What does your endocrine system do?

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce and secrete hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body, where they help regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including:

• Metabolism and energy balance

• Growth and development

• Reproduction and fertility

• Mood and emotions

• Sleep and wake cycles

• Blood pressure and heart rate

• Calcium and phosphate balance

• Stress response

• Immune function

The endocrine system includes several glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas, as well as hormone-producing cells in the testes and ovaries. These glands and cells work together to maintain hormonal balance and help the body function properly.

   3. What are some common endocrine disorders treated with surgery?

Endocrine surgery is often used to treat various endocrine disorders, including:

1. Thyroid nodules and cancer: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid nodules are common and usually benign, but some can be cancerous. Surgery is often used to remove the thyroid gland, either in part or in full, to treat thyroid nodules or cancer.

2. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, and rapid heart rate. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland may be an option for people with hyperthyroidism who do not respond to other treatments.

3. Parathyroid tumors: The parathyroid glands are four small glands located near the thyroid gland that produce a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood. A tumor on one of the parathyroid glands can cause the gland to produce too much hormone, leading to a condition called hyperparathyroidism. Surgery to remove the affected gland(s) is often the recommended treatment.

4. Adrenal tumors: The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and the body's stress response. Adrenal tumors can produce excess hormones, causing a variety of symptoms. Surgery to remove the affected gland or tumor may be recommended to treat adrenal tumors.

5. Pancreatic tumors: The pancreas produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and digestive enzymes that help break down food. Tumors on the pancreas can cause a variety of symptoms and may require surgery to remove the affected area of the pancreas.

   4. Can an endocrinologist do surgery?

While endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders, they are not typically trained to perform surgery.

In general, endocrinologists work with other healthcare professionals, including endocrine surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients with endocrine disorders. Endocrine surgeons are specially trained surgeons who focus on the surgical treatment of endocrine disorders. They have specialized knowledge and expertise in the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, as well as in the surgical techniques used to treat endocrine disorders.

Therefore, while an endocrinologist may be involved in the care of a patient before and after surgery, an endocrine surgeon is typically the healthcare professional who performs the actual surgery.

    5. What are the types of endocrine surgery?

Endocrine surgery is a specialized surgical field that involves the surgical treatment of disorders of the endocrine system. There are several types of endocrine surgery, including:

1. Thyroidectomy: This is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. It is most commonly performed to treat thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.

2. Parathyroidectomy: This is the surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands. It is typically performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone.

3. Adrenalectomy: This is the surgical removal of one or both of the adrenal glands. It is typically performed to treat adrenal tumors that produce excess hormones.

4. Pancreatectomy: This is the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas. It is typically performed to treat pancreatic tumors, including insulinomas, gastrinomas, and glucagonomas.

5. Surgery for neuroendocrine tumors: This includes surgery to remove tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the body, such as carcinoid tumors or pheochromocytomas.

6. Transsphenoidal surgery: This is a minimally invasive surgical approach used to remove tumors from the pituitary gland. It involves accessing the pituitary gland through the nose, rather than making an incision in the skull.

The type of endocrine surgery recommended for a particular patient will depend on the specific endocrine disorder being treated and the individual's medical history and overall health.

    6. What happens before endocrine surgery?

​

Before endocrine surgery, there are several important steps that typically need to be taken to ensure that the patient is properly prepared for the procedure. These may include:

1. Medical evaluation: The patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their overall health and identify any potential risks or complications associated with the surgery. This may involve blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests.

2. Medication review: The patient will be asked to provide a list of all medications they are currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Some medications may need to be stopped or adjusted prior to surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications.

3. Fasting: The patient will typically be asked to fast for a certain period of time before the surgery, usually starting at midnight the night before the procedure.

4. Anesthesia consultation: The patient will meet with an anesthesia provider who will review their medical history and determine the best type of anesthesia to use during the surgery.

5. Preoperative instructions: The patient will be provided with specific instructions regarding what to do before the surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking, when to arrive at the hospital, and what to bring with them.

6. Informed consent: The patient will meet with the surgeon to review the risks and benefits of the surgery and sign a consent form indicating that they understand and agree to the procedure.

By taking these steps before endocrine surgery, the patient and healthcare team can work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for the procedure.

7. What happens during endocrine surgery? 

​

During endocrine surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The exact details of the surgical procedure will depend on the type of endocrine surgery being performed. However, some general steps that may be taken during the procedure include:

• Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in the skin to access the affected gland or organ. The location and size of the incision will vary depending on the specific procedure being performed.

• Identification of structures: The surgeon will carefully identify and isolate the structures of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid gland or the adrenal gland.

• Removal of tissue: The surgeon will remove the affected tissue or gland, taking care to avoid damage to surrounding structures and tissues.

• Closure of incision: Once the affected tissue or gland has been removed, the surgeon will close the incision using sutures or surgical staples.

• Monitoring: The patient will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure that their vital signs remain stable and that there are no complications.

The length of the procedure will vary depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, but many endocrine surgeries can be completed within a few hours. After the procedure is complete, the patient will be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored closely as they wake up from anesthesia.

8. What happens after endocrine surgery?

After endocrine surgery, the patient will typically spend some time in the hospital to recover and be monitored for any complications. The specific recovery process will depend on the type and complexity of the surgery, as well as the individual patient's medical history and overall health. However, some general steps that may be taken during the postoperative period include:

1. Pain management: The patient may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the healthcare provider.

2. Wound care: The patient will need to keep the incision site clean and dry, and may need to change dressings regularly. The healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to care for the wound.

3. Monitoring: The patient will be closely monitored for any signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or changes in hormone levels.

4. Activity restriction: The patient may need to limit certain activities, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, for a period of time after the surgery to allow the body to heal.

5. Follow-up appointments: The healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress and check for any long-term complications or recurrence of the condition.

In some cases, the patient may need to take medications to replace hormones that were produced by the gland or organ that was removed during the surgery. The healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to take these medications and monitor hormone levels.

Overall, the recovery period after endocrine surgery can vary widely depending on the individual patient and the specific procedure performed. With proper care and monitoring, most patients are able to make a full recovery and return to their normal activities over time.

 9. What are the benefits of endocrine surgery?

Endocrine surgery can offer several potential benefits for patients with endocrine disorders. Some of the benefits of endocrine surgery may include:

1. Improved quality of life: Endocrine surgery can help to alleviate symptoms associated with endocrine disorders, such as thyroid nodules or hyperparathyroidism, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

2. Cancer treatment: Endocrine surgery can be used to remove cancerous tumors from the thyroid, adrenal gland, or pancreas, which can help to prevent the spread of cancer and improve outcomes for patients with endocrine cancers.

3. Hormone balance: Endocrine surgery can be used to remove a gland or organ that is producing too much or too little of a particular hormone, helping to restore a normal balance of hormones in the body.

4. Improved outcomes: For certain endocrine disorders, surgery may be the most effective treatment option, with higher success rates and fewer complications than other treatments.

5. Minimally invasive techniques: Many endocrine surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can result in less pain, scarring, and recovery time for patients.

Overall, endocrine surgery can offer significant benefits for patients with a wide range of endocrine disorders, helping to improve outcomes and quality of life for those who undergo the procedure.

10. What are the risks of endocrine surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, endocrine surgery carries some risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks of endocrine surgery may include:

1. Bleeding: Endocrine surgery may involve the removal of tissue or organs that are rich in blood vessels, which can increase the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure.

2. Infection: Surgery can increase the risk of infection at the site of the incision or within the body, which can lead to additional complications.

3. Nerve damage: Endocrine surgery may involve working near nerves that control important functions, such as speech, swallowing, or breathing. Damage to these nerves can cause long-term complications.

4. Hormonal imbalances: Depending on the type of surgery and the gland or organ being removed, endocrine surgery can cause imbalances in hormone levels, which may require additional treatment.

5. Scarring: Endocrine surgery may result in visible scarring at the site of the incision, which can be a concern for some patients.

6. Anesthesia complications: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications related to anesthesia, including allergic reactions, heart problems, or lung complications.

7. Rare complications: Rarely, endocrine surgery can lead to other complications, such as blood clots, damage to nearby organs, or even death.

It's important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of endocrine surgery with their healthcare provider before the procedure, and to carefully follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize the risk of complications.

11. What is recovery like after endocrine surgery?

The recovery process after endocrine surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient's health and medical history. However, there are some general guidelines and expectations that patients can follow.

Immediately following surgery, patients will typically spend some time in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. The length of the hospital stay will depend on the type and complexity of the surgery, but patients may be discharged as soon as a day or two after the procedure.

During the first few days or weeks after the surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort around the incision site. Pain medications may be prescribed to help manage this discomfort, and patients may need to rest and limit activity for a period of time to allow their body to heal.

Patients may also need to take medications to replace any hormones that were removed during the surgery, and will need to have their hormone levels regularly monitored to ensure proper dosage and management.

Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider will be scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and check for any long-term complications or recurrence of the condition.

Overall, most patients can expect to return to their normal activities within a few weeks or months after the surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure and their individual healing process. However, it's important for patients to closely follow all post-operative instructions and communicate with their healthcare provider to ensure the best possible recovery and outcome.

12. What is the outlook for people who have endocrine surgery?

The outlook for people who have endocrine surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of surgery, the underlying endocrine disorder, and the individual's overall health and medical history.

In general, endocrine surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many endocrine disorders, and can often provide significant relief of symptoms and improve quality of life. For example, surgery to remove a benign thyroid nodule can help to alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, while surgery to remove an adrenal tumor can help to prevent the spread of cancer.

For those with endocrine cancers, surgery may be a critical component of their treatment plan and can offer the potential for cure or long-term remission.

However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with endocrine surgery, and the outcome can depend on how well the patient responds to the surgery and any necessary follow-up care.

Overall, the outlook for people who have endocrine surgery can be positive, especially if the surgery is successful in addressing the underlying endocrine disorder and the patient follows all post-operative instructions and engages in ongoing monitoring and follow-up care.

     13. When should I call the doctor?

It's important to know when to call your doctor after endocrine surgery, as some symptoms or complications may require immediate medical attention. Here are some situations in which you should contact your healthcare provider:

1. Signs of infection: If you develop signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain or redness at the incision site, or pus or discharge from the wound, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

2. Difficulty breathing or swallowing: If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, or notice any changes in your voice or speech, this may indicate damage to the nerves or other complications, and you should contact your healthcare provider right away.

3. Excessive bleeding or swelling: If you experience excessive bleeding or swelling, or if the incision site feels hot, tender, or hard to the touch, this may indicate a problem with healing or a complication, and you should contact your healthcare provider.

4. Signs of hormonal imbalance: Depending on the type of surgery and the gland or organ being removed, you may experience hormonal imbalances that require ongoing monitoring and treatment. If you notice any changes in your energy level, mood, or other symptoms related to hormones, contact your healthcare provider.

5. Other concerns or questions: If you have any other concerns or questions about your recovery, including issues with pain management, activity restrictions, or medications, it's always best to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your options and ensure the best possible outcome.