Our Approach to the Treatment of Endocrine Disease

We at Maryland Surgeons believe that the relationship between patient and surgeon is crucially important to providing top-notch and personalized endocrine care.

The endocrine system is essential for the regulation of numerous processes in the human body that includes our metabolism, blood pressure, and energy levels. When there is disease of one of the endocrine organs, these processes are often interrupted and their activity can be either lowered or become overactive.

Our surgeons will work with you to review your case and perform an evaluation for disease.  They will work with your endocrinologist in a multidisciplinary fashion to generate the best treatment plan for you.  We aim for our patients and their families to understand their disease clearly and how each treatment option will benefit them.

Maryland Surgeons offers specialty trained surgeons who perform endocrine surgery.  We perform surgery for the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.  We are often able to perform laparoscopic procedures in the treatment of adrenal gland diseases to reduce incision size, decrease the need for pain medication and lower the risk of infection.

We specialize in the following procedures:

• Thyroidectomy
  • The thyroid is an gland located in front of the wind pipe that is often times too small to be felt on most people.  When the thyroid becomes diseased it can grow and affect a patient’s breathing.  Removal of the thyroid is performed to remove the diseased gland and to improve symptoms.
    
• Parathyroidectomy
  • There are four parathyroid glands that are located on the thyroid gland.  They are involved in regulation of calcium levels in the body.  One or more of these glands sometimes requires removal, especially if they develop cancer or dysfunctional overgrowth.
    
• Adrenalectomy
  • The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and secrete hormones.  In cases of cancers, precancers, or adrenal dysfunction, removal of the affected adrenal gland is often recommended and can generally be performed in a minimally invasive fashion.

Please contact us at (443) 574-8500 to set up an appointment or to get more information about how our surgeons can help.

Frequently Asked Questions – Endocrine Surgery 

Q. What are some symptoms of thyroid disease?
A. The thyroid gland is a small gland that sits in the front and next to the wind pipe, or trachea.  It is often hard to feel in many people due to its small size and soft texture.  The thyroid gland plays a role in metabolism and regulating your energy levels.  In overactive cases patients may feel hot and have a decrease in their weight.  In some cases, patients will notice a bulging of their eyes.  In cases of underactive thyroid, patients may report weight gain and decreased energy.

Q. What is a parathyroid gland? What is hyperparathyroidism?
A. Humans typically have 4 small parathyroid glands that secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is a hormone that helps control calcium levels.   An overactive parathyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism, and can be caused by several different factors.  The most common cause is a benign tumor on one of the parathyroid glands, which is not cancerous.   Overgrowth of all glands can also cause hyperparathyroidism, and may be due to kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or inherited conditions. Hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed based on levels of calcium and PTH in the blood.  

Q. What is a typical recovery after thyroid surgery or parathyroid surgery?
A. After surgery, most people have a sore throat, mild swelling, some difficulty swallowing, and mild discomfort at the incision in the lower neck, but should be able to eat, drink, and talk immediately.  Driving is allowed as soon as patients have stopped narcotic pain medications, and feel able to turn their necks for safe driving (usually a few days to a week).  Most patients are fully recovered and back to work within 1-2 weeks.  Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided during this time (1-2 weeks).

Q. What are the complications of thyroid surgery or parathyroid surgery?
A. Thyroid and parathyroid surgery (like all surgery) comes with standard risks of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, and the risk of other complications related to any underlying health problems, such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease.  However, thyroid surgery is typically considered safe. Prior to any operation, the surgeon will carefully review the risks and benefits associated with the operation, as well as alternatives.

There are several complications that are specific to thyroid and parathyroid surgery.  The most common complication after thyroid or parathyroid surgery is low calcium.  This is usually temporary and may require taking extra calcium and a special form of vitamin D for a few days or weeks postoperatively.  Voice changes can also occur after thyroid or parathyroid surgery but are rarely dangerous or permanent.