Endocrine Surgery

Endocrine surgery is a highly delicate and specialized surgical field that treats diseases of the body’s hormone-secreting glands (endocrine organs) through surgical methods. Turkey is globally recognized in this area for its experienced surgeons and advanced surgical techniques (open, laparoscopic, and robotic). For complex diseases of your endocrine system, Need Health connects you with Turkey’s leading endocrine surgery specialists and multidisciplinary teams (endocrinologists, pathologists, radiologists), ensuring you have access to the most current and personalized treatment options.

Major Endocrine Surgery Areas and Treatments:

1. Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland Surgery

• Thyroid Surgery: Removal of all (total thyroidectomy) or part (lobectomy) of the thyroid gland.

  • Indications: Thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary), large goiters causing breathing difficulties (nodular goiter), Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism), and suspicious nodules.

  • Method: Performed with advanced nerve monitoring to protect the vocal cord nerves (recurrent laryngeal nerve). Can be done using minimally invasive techniques with cosmetic sutures.

• Parathyroid Surgery: Removal of overactive parathyroid gland(s) (parathyroidectomy).

  • Indications: Primary, secondary, or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (excessive blood calcium), which can lead to kidney stones and osteoporosis. Advanced imaging techniques are used for preoperative localization.

2. Adrenal Gland Surgery

Removal of tumors originating from the adrenal glands (adenoma, pheochromocytoma, carcinoma) – adrenalectomy.

• Indications: Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol), Conn’s syndrome (hyperaldosteronism – high blood pressure), pheochromocytoma (hot flashes, blood pressure crises), and suspicious adrenal masses.

• Method: Now mostly performed via laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or robotic surgery. Offers high patient comfort, short recovery time, and small incisions.

3. Obesity (Bariatric) and Metabolic Surgery

• Goal: Treatment of morbid obesity and control or remission of obesity-related metabolic diseases such as diabetes (type 2), hypertension, and sleep apnea.

• Major Surgical Methods:

  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removal of a large portion of the stomach to create a thin tube. The most commonly performed method.

  • Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): A small part of the stomach is separated and connected directly to a section of the small intestine. Restricts food intake and reduces absorption.

  • Duodenal Switch: A more complex procedure involving both sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. Provides the highest weight loss and is applied to specific patient groups.

  • Metabolic Surgery: Surgical approaches where the primary goal is not weight loss but the control of type 2 diabetes.

4. Neuroendocrine Tumor Surgery

Removal of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) originating from the pancreas, intestines, and other organs. These tumors usually grow slowly but can secrete hormones causing various syndromes (e.g., carcinoid syndrome). Treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team.

Your Endocrine Surgery Process with Need Health:

• Comprehensive Pre-Evaluation: Your medical history, current tests, and imaging results are reviewed in detail by our expert surgeon and endocrinologist in Turkey.

• Multidisciplinary Consultation: A team consisting of the surgeon, endocrinologist, anesthesiologist, and other specialists as needed creates the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.

• Advanced Technology Surgery: Surgeries are performed in fully-equipped hospitals using the most modern surgical techniques, including robotic surgery systems (Da Vinci). Minimally invasive methods are prioritized.

• Hormonal Balance and Follow-up: Postoperative regulation of your hormone levels and long-term follow-up are managed in coordination with an endocrinology specialist.

• Comprehensive Patient Care: At every stage of your treatment, all logistical needs including accommodation, transfers, and medical translation are handled by the Need Health team.

Endocrine surgery is a critical step towards achieving the hormonal balance that directly affects your quality of life. Need Health is your reliable guide on this important health journey, with its expert team and personalized approach.