Conditions and Treatments

Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are located above the kidneys and play a vital role in regulating hormones that control blood pressure, metabolism, immune function, and stress responses. These hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, adrenaline, and norepinephrine.

If adrenal surgery is needed, we may recommend an adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal gland) if the tumor is functional and producing excess hormones, large or growing, concerning for malignancy or suspected to be metastatic cancer. 

Adrenal tumor types

• Cortisol-producing: Cushing syndrome
• Aldosterone-producing: Conn’s syndrome
• Adrenaline-producing: Pheochromocytoma
• Benign tumors: Adenomas, myelolipomas
• Malignant tumors: Adrenocortical carcinoma, metastatic disease

Parathyroid surgery

The parathyroid glands, located near the thyroid, regulate calcium levels in the body through parathyroid hormone (PTH). Abnormalities in these glands can lead to hyperparathyroidism, causing symptoms like kidney stones, bone pain and fatigue. The procedure involves the removal of abnormal parathyroid glands, such as adenomas or those affected by hyperplasia. Types of hyperparathyroidism include:

• Primary hyperparathyroidism: Caused by one or more overactive glands.
• Secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism: Often linked to chronic kidney disease or dialysis.

Parathyroid surgery for secondary and tertiary renal hyperparathyroidism

Patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease may develop secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, leading to severe calcium and phosphorus imbalances.

Surgical options for parathyroid conditions include subtotal parathyroidectomy, which is when three and a half of the four parathyroid glands are removed, and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation, where all glands are removed and a portion is reimplanted into the neck or forearm to maintain parathyroid function.

Thyroid surgery

The thyroid gland, located over the trachea, regulates metabolism, brain function, and muscle activity through thyroid hormones. Thyroid surgery may be recommended for conditions like goiters, nodules or hyperthyroidism.

Types of thyroid surgery

• Thyroid lobectomy: Removal of one lobe.
• Total thyroidectomy: Complete removal of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid cancer surgery

Thyroid cancer treatment often involves a total thyroidectomy and may include lymph node removal (neck dissection) or radioactive iodine therapy. Structures at risk include the parathyroid glands, recurrent laryngeal nerves and thoracic duct.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

• Common: Papillary, follicular
• Rare: Medullary, anaplastic