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What is Endocrine Surgery?
Endocrine surgery involves procedures upon the glandular system of the human body (thyroid, parathyroid,
adrenal, and endocrine pancreas). Diseases in this category range from common conditions like goiter, thyroid and pancreatic cancer to
unusual problems such as Cushing's disease, Conn's Syndrome and the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndromes. Endocrinologists and
endocrine
surgeons typically work closely together to provide the best care to patients afflicted with these disorders. The American Association of
Endocrine Surgeons recognizes surgeons “who have a major interest and devote significant portions of their practice or research to endocrine
surgery, and who are certified by the American Board of Surgery” At present (May 2005) there are only 241 members of the
American Association of Endocrine Surgeons
in the U.S.
and only 4 practicing members in South Carolina? There aren't too many surgeons who specialize in endocrine surgery!
Why should you have a specialist in endocrine surgery?
A growing number of publications have shown that outcomes from thyroid and parathyroid surgery are clearly
related to how frequently a surgeon performs the operation. One review article stated,
"As with all subspecialties, the endocrine surgeon offers more
than just improved technical expertise in the treatment of
endocrine surgical disease. An understanding of the disease, and
an ability to interpret investigations and surgically intervene
with minimal morbidity allow for better patient care."
Endocrine surgery is complicated. The surgeon and patient need to share a partnership when treating these diseases. The patient must fully
understand the risks involved in surgery as well as the potential benefits and alternatives. By attending specialty society meetings and
keeping current with targeted literature, the endocrine surgeon stays up to date in this rapidly changing field and can transmit that
expertise to you, the patient.
Endocrine surgeons are familiar with practice guidelines formulated by the
American Association of
Clinical Endocrinologists and other groups. By following these guidelines and liberal use of fine needle aspiration (FNA), many unnecessary
operations for non-cancerous thyroid nodules may be avoided. If the FNA does show cancer, the endocrine surgeon is well trained to remove
the entire thyroid gland and to do lymph node dissections when warranted. Endocrine surgeons have expertise in parathyroid surgery and use a
number of innovative techniques, as appropriate for your individual circumstance. By using a preoperative injection with
Sestamibi, a small
incision (done on an outpatient basis – referred to as minimal access parathyroidectomy) is all that is needed in most patients with primary
hyperparathyroidism. Endocrine diseases of the adrenal glands and pancreas are very uncommon. The endocrine surgeon has more familiarity
with these syndromes and works closely with the endocrinologist and radiologist to facilitate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What is Dr. Orr’s Experience With Endocrine Surgery?
As a member of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Dr. Orr has met the stringent
requirements of the society, and is one of only four practicing members in South Carolina. He has been the primary endocrine surgeon at the
Fallon Clinic and the Marshfield Clinic "large multi-specialty medical groups" before starting his practice in Spartanburg. His leadership
in endocrine surgery has continued during his tenure at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He is skilled in the evaluation and
management of the following disorders:
Thyroid
Partial and Total Thyroidectomy
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer including papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer,
medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer
Goiter
Substernal goiter
Hyperthyroidism
Grave's Disease
Parathyroid
Primary hyperparathyroidism, including minimal access parathyroidectomy
Secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Re-operative parathyroid surgery
Parathyroid localization
Adrenal
Pancreatic Tumors
HELPFUL LINKS
Thyroidectomy
Healthwise Surgery Overview
Harvard
InteliHealth
Thyroid Cancer Support Group
Thyroid Cancer Survivors’
Association
Hyperparathyroidism
MedicineNet
eMedicine
Adrenal Diseases
EndocrineWeb
Pheochromocytoma
MedicineNet
Endocrine Pancreatic Tumors
EndocrineWeb
Radioactive Iodine
Hyperthyroidism
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