What Is Endocrine Surgery?
Endocrine surgery treats conditions that affect hormone-producing glands. At University of Utah Health, our surgeons specialize in three procedures:
- Adrenalectomy: Adrenal surgery removes one of your adrenal glands. You may need this surgery if you have an adrenal tumor or your adrenal gland produces too many hormones.
- Parathyroidectomy: Parathyroid surgery removes one or more of your parathyroid glands. You might have a parathyroid gland removed if they are enlarged.
- Thyroidectomy: Thyroid surgery removes some or all of your thyroid gland. You may need this surgery if you have cancer, an overactive thyroid, or growths.
Conditions We Treat
Adrenal Diseases
- Adrenal cortex adenomas and carcinomas
- Adrenal incidentaloma
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)
- Metastatic disease to the adrenal gland
- Pheochromocytoma
- Tumors that produce sex hormones
Thyroid Diseases
- Goiters Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
Parathyroid Diseases
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Parathyroid cancer
Is Surgery Right for You?
Surgery can help if you have an endocrine condition that:
- Causes symptoms
- Changes your hormone levels
- Raises concern for cancer
For some endocrine conditions, surgery is the best treatment option and can relieve symptoms. An endocrine surgeon will explain your options and help you decide if surgery is right for you.
What to Expect With Endocrine Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
You’ll meet with your endocrine surgeon to prepare for surgery. They may order the following tests to help plan your procedure:
- Imaging to see your endocrine glands
- Blood tests to check your hormone levels
- A biopsy to test a tissue sample for cancer
During Endocrine Surgery
Endocrine surgeries generally last 1–4 hours. You will be asleep during the procedure under the care of an anesthesiologist.
Thyroid and parathyroid surgery are performed through a horizontal cut in your neck, usually hidden in a neck wrinkle or crease. Adrenal surgery is done using both minimally invasive and open techniques. Minimally invasive surgery uses special instruments and smaller cuts, which may lead to less pain and a quicker recovery. Your surgeon will help you choose the best approach based on your condition.
Many patients who have thyroid or parathyroid surgery go home the same day. Some patients who have adrenal surgery stay overnight, depending on the procedure.
Surgery Recovery
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery you have. Many patients need about two weeks off work, but some adrenal surgery patients may need longer.
Why Choose U of U Health?
Find an Endocrine Surgeon
Displaying 2 of 2 providers
Jessica L. McMullin
Fiemu E. Nwariaku
Make an Appointment
You don't need a referral to see our endocrine surgeons. You can call us to schedule an appointment at 801-587-7000 or have your health care provider submit a referral online.