Endocrine Surgery
What is it?
Endocrine surgery is the surgical treatment of what are known as endocrine diseases which are related to organs which produce hormones. Both endocrine surgeons and endocrinologists work together closely to diagnose, treat and follow patients with endocrine diseases. Examples of endocrine diseases treated with surgery include thyroid nodules, parathyroid adenoma, pituitary tumors and adrenal tumors.
Who performs it?
Endocrine surgeons are physicians who are specifically trained to perform surgeries on the endocrine system depending on the organ which is involved. For example, pituitary tumors are typically removed by neurosurgeons while adrenal tumors are most often removed by general surgeons. In cases of thyroid and parathyroid disease which require surgery, this is most often performed by otolaryngologists (ENT).
When diagnosed with a thyroid or parathyroid gland condition which requires surgery, it is important to seek out a surgeon who has a specific focus on endocrine surgery and additional fellowship training (extra training received after residency).