When there are issues with organs in the endocrine system, such as the thyroid and the adrenal glands, endocrine surgery is sometimes the best option for treatment. We have years of experience performing endocrine surgeries to help our patients get back to full health.
What is endocrine surgery?
Endocrine surgery involves surgery on hormone-producing glands that include the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the thyroid, and the parathyroids. In some cases, surgeries may be performed to remove both cancerous and noncancerous tumors. In others, they may involve removing part of all of an organ to reduce hormone secretion, such as removing the thyroid to combat hyperthyroidism.
These surgeries are typically minimally invasive, which offers quick healing, minimal pain, and less scarring.
Types of conditions treated
A number of conditions can require surgical treatment. These include:
- Goiter - enlargement of the thyroid causing neck pressure and symptoms.
- Graves' disease - an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism.
- Hyperparathyroidism - causes increased blood calcium levels and bone loss.
- Cushing's - adrenal disease producing too much cortisol.
- Conn’s - adrenal overproduction of aldosterone causing hypertension.
- Pheochromocytoma - adrenal tumor producing epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Cancer - tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, or pancreas
What are the benefits of endocrine surgery?
Surgical removal of cancer is usually part of the complete treatment of the disease. In the case of hormone overproduction, symptomatic relief can be profound.
In thyroid disease, improvement in metabolism can provide relief from symptoms that include heart palpitations, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, and irritability. Mass effect symptoms including neck choking, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness often fully resolve.
Often, surgery is recommended after other treatments, such as medication, have been tried. In cases of chronic conditions such as Graves’ disease, surgery is considered as an option because of the risks of taking medications like anti-thyroids for too long. Surgery corrects the problem at the source and can help reverse uncomfortable or dangerous health issues.
We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of every surgical option to ensure that understand which treatment works best for you.
Why choose The Surgery Group for endocrine surgery?
At The Surgery Group, we bring together experienced and expert professionals to provide the best care. We offer convenient locations throughout Pensacola and Gulf Breeze so that you are always in the right place to suit your specific needs. In addition, we maintain our skills and expertise by staying current with the latest surgical techniques available today and always look to enhance your experience as a patient.
We are passionate about productive doctor-patient relationships. Our focus is on treating you as we would like to be treated ourselves if we were the patient. We understand that every patient is unique and provide customized and compassionate care. We also work to educate patients and answer your questions so that you are comfortable with the procedure and are empowered with the knowledge you need to make a full and quick recovery. Have you been referred for surgery? We want to help. Get in touch today for a consultation.
Areas of Surgery
Thyroid gland – Located in the front of the neck, it regulates the body’s overall metabolism (the rate at which you use energy).
Parathyroid glands – There are four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid, which control calcium levels throughout the body.
Adrenal glands – There are two adrenal glands located on the top of each kidney. They secrete adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol.
Pancreas – Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is an important part of the digestive and endocrine system.
The board-certified general surgeons at The Surgery Group have had many years of training and experience in endocrine surgery. Our outcomes are typically better because of the sheer number of surgeries we have performed over the years.