What Is Endocrine Surgery and What Does an Endocrine Surgeon Do?
Introduction
Endocrine surgery is a specialised branch of surgery focused on the treatment of disorders involving the endocrine glands — organs that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones control many vital functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
An Endocrine Surgeon is a surgeon with advanced training and expertise in diagnosing, operating on, and managing diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine glands. These procedures often require a combination of detailed anatomical knowledge, understanding of hormonal physiology, and modern surgical techniques.
The Endocrine System at a Glance
The endocrine system consists of several glands throughout the body. The main glands commonly treated by endocrine surgeons include:
• Thyroid gland – located in the neck, it regulates metabolism and energy levels.
• Parathyroid glands – small glands behind the thyroid that control calcium balance.
• Adrenal glands – situated on top of the kidneys, they produce stress and metabolic hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
• Pancreas (neuroendocrine cells) – certain specialised cells in the pancreas can form neuroendocrine tumours that secrete hormones.
Endocrine disorders can cause overproduction or underproduction of hormones, or result in nodules or tumours that may be benign or malignant.
What Does an Endocrine Surgeon Do?
An Endocrine Surgeon is trained to manage both the medical and surgical aspects of hormone-producing glands. They work closely with endocrinologists, radiologists, and pathologists to provide comprehensive care.
Common procedures performed by endocrine surgeons include:
• Thyroidectomy – removal of part or all of the thyroid gland for nodules, goitre, or thyroid cancer.
• Parathyroidectomy – removal of one or more parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism.
• Adrenalectomy – removal of the adrenal gland for hormone-producing tumours or adrenal cancers.
• Neck dissections – removal of lymph nodes in cases of advanced thyroid cancer.
When Should You See an Endocrine Surgeon?
You may be referred to an endocrine surgeon by your general practitioner or endocrinologist if you have:
• A thyroid nodule that needs biopsy or surgical removal
• Thyroid cancer or suspicious results from fine needle aspiration (FNA)
• Primary hyperparathyroidism causing high calcium levels
• Adrenal tumours such as pheochromocytoma, adrenal adenoma, or Cushing’s syndrome
• Recurrent or complex neck disease requiring specialist surgical expertise
Endocrine surgeons not only perform operations but also guide patients through diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, and long-term postoperative management.
Training and Expertise
Endocrine surgery is a subspecialty that requires advanced training beyond general surgery. In Australia and many other countries, endocrine surgeons complete:
1. Fellowship training in General Surgery, followed by
2. Post-fellowship subspecialty training in Endocrine Surgery, often under the Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons (ANZES) or equivalent international bodies.
This ensures that endocrine surgeons are skilled in both open and minimally invasive techniques, with a detailed understanding of endocrine physiology, oncology, and pathology.
Multidisciplinary Care
Optimal management of endocrine diseases requires a team approach. Endocrine surgeons work closely with:
• Endocrinologists – for hormonal evaluation and medical management
• Radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists – for imaging and localisation studies
• Pathologists – for cytology and histopathology interpretation
• Anaesthetists and nursing staff – for safe perioperative care
This collaborative model ensures precision, safety, and excellent outcomes for patients.
Conclusion
Endocrine surgery is a highly specialised field that blends surgical precision with deep understanding of hormonal biology. Endocrine surgeons play a vital role in diagnosing and treating complex glandular diseases — often restoring normal hormone balance and improving quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal condition, consulting an experienced Endocrine Surgeon ensures you receive expert, evidence-based, and compassionate care.