Endocrine Surgery - Know Forms Of It!

Our endocrine glands work overtime to keep us healthy by secreting hormones which reach each and every cell in our body through the blood. These hormones evoke life-changing responses in other cells to keep us alive and healthy. Endocrine surgery is a term for an operation in any one or more endocrine glands in your body.

Types of endocrine glands-

1. Thyroid gland: This is the most important endocrine gland in your body and it secretes thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism.

2. Parathyroid glands: There are 4 parathyroid glands and these are located behind the thyroid gland in the neck region. These glands secrete the parathyroid hormone which controls calcium levels in the body.

3. Adrenal glands: These are located over the kidney. There are 2 adrenal glands and these secrete adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol- the body’s fight or flight hormone. These also maintain salt levels in the blood and the blood pressure.

4. Neuroendocrine glands of the pancreas: These are located in the pancreas behind the stomach. They work to control glucose levels and glucose metabolism.

5. Pituitary gland is the master gland of the body: It secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and other important hormones that control ovaries, thyroid and other endocrine glands in your body.

Endocrine surgery-

Depending on the endocrine gland being operated upon, there are different types of endocrine surgeries. The most important ones are-

1. Thyroidectomy: It is an operation that involves removal of the entire or parts of the thyroid gland in the neck. IT is indicated for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism, goiter or Graves disease. Sometimes it is done for treating an enlarged thyroid gland or obstructions in the neck region, causing problems in swallowing or breathing. In cases of total thyroidectomy patients will need life long thyroid hormone supplementation. Sometime patient can have a change in the voice which is usually temporary.

• Since the thyroid produces several hormones like thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin, you will have to take oral synthetic hormones all your life post surgery. The thyroid is usually removed through an incision in the neck. These days there is the option of minimally invasive surgeries too.

2. Adrenalectomy: It is the removal of one or both adrenal glands to treat tumors of the adrenal glands. It is done using an open incision or laparoscopic technique. Most adrenal tumors are noncancerous (benign). You may require surgery to remove an adrenal gland if the tumor is producing excess hormones (pheochromocytoma or Conn's syndrome) or is large in size (more than 2 inches or 4 to 5 centimeters). You may also require surgery if the tumor is cancerous (malignant) or suspected to be cancerous. Pheochromocytomas produce excess hormones that can cause very high blood pressure and periodic spells characterized by severe headaches, excessive sweating, anxiety, palpitations, and rapid heart rate that may last from a few seconds to several minutes.

3. Parathyroidectomy: It is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, and it is used to treat hyperparathyroidism. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a small, tumor called a parathyroid adenoma. It is a benign condition in which one parathyroid gland increases in size and produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) in excess. In most situations, patients are unaware of the adenoma, and they are found when routine blood test results show elevated blood calcium and PTH level. This excess PTH triggers the release of too much calcium into the bloodstream. The bones lose calcium, and increased level of calcium in the urine causes kidney stones.