The GVM Department of Endocrine Pathology and Surgery provides comprehensive care for patients with endocrine gland disorders, from diagnosis to medical and/or surgical treatment.
Patients with the following endocrine gland pathologies are treated:
- Thyroid: benign, suspected, or confirmed malignant thyroid nodules, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis
- Parathyroid glands: hyperparathyroidism
- Adrenal glands: Cushing syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and non-hormone-secreting adrenal nodules
- Pituitary gland: prolactinoma, acromegaly, Cushing's disease, hormone-secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenomas
Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Unit collaborates with gynecologists, internal medicine specialists, and nutritionists to determine the most appropriate therapeutic choice for each patient.
Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are performed using microsurgical techniques to isolate and preserve the inferior laryngeal nerve or recurrent nerve. The use of an ultrasonic scalpel significantly reduces operative trauma and anesthesia times.
Intervention Techniques:
- Total Thyroidectomy: This procedure is indicated when the entire thyroid or a carcinoma is involved. It involves removing the entire gland. Cervical lymphadenectomy (excision of lymph nodes in the anterior and/or lateral neck region) is recommended for malignant tumors with lymph node involvement.
- Hemithyroidectomy: This is performed in the presence of a single nodule or when only one lobe of the thyroid is affected. It involves removing half of the thyroid and the thyroid isthmus.
- Video-Assisted Mini-Invasive Thyroidectomy (MIVAT):This technique allows thyroidectomy through a small incision (1.5-2 cm) in the anterior neck region, using a magnifying endoscope. The lower surgical trauma of this advanced technique results in less post-operative pain and better aesthetic outcomes.
- Radiofrequency Thermoablation (RFA):This procedure uses radiofrequency waves to ablate thyroid nodules through the ultrasound-guided insertion of a needle under local anesthesia. It is indicated for thyroid nodules at least 2 cm in diameter. RFA leaves no scars or blemishes and, in expert hands, is safe and free of complications, reducing the nodule volume by up to 90%. The thyroid is preserved, and no replacement therapy is necessary. Even metastases from thyroid cancer can be treated with this innovative procedure.
- Micro-Invasive and Non-Surgical Laser Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: This ultrasound-guided approach uses laser-generated heat to destroy nodular tissue, gradually reducing its volume and alleviating compressive and aesthetic symptoms. It avoids the trauma of traditional surgery, offering advantages such as minimal post-operative pain, no or short hospitalization, and a quick return to social activities.