Your endocrine system is where all the powerful chemical messengers, called hormones, come from. If you have a hormonal imbalance, you might require specialist surgery, in which case renowned surgeon Mohammed Kalan, MD, FRCS, FACS, at the Washington Institute of Surgery in Chevy Chase, Maryland, can help. Dr. Kalan is an expert in carrying out adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, and pancreas surgeries, so if you need help, please call the Washington, DC, area office today or book an appointment online.
Your endocrine system consists of vital glands all around your body that produce hormones. These hormones are chemical substances that transmit messages to regulate essential bodily functions, including:center
Hormones travel in your blood to reach the cells, tissues, and organs and cause a specific reaction. For example, at puberty, sex hormones trigger sexual development.
The glands that make, store, and secrete hormones are the:
If there’s a problem with any of these glands or other conditions are affecting hormone production, it can create an imbalance that causes a variety of symptoms. Some symptoms are unpleasant but not harmful. Others, like chronic fatigue, make life very difficult. Some symptoms can even be life-threatening.
Some hormone imbalances develop when there’s a problem in the gland responsible that can’t be treated successfully any other way. While many hormone imbalances are treatable using medications, lifestyle changes, and hormone supplementation, there are some that don’t respond to these approaches.
Dr. Kalan of the Washington Institute of Surgery has been carrying out adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, and pancreas surgery since 1986. Endocrine conditions he treats regularly include:
Dr. Kalan works closely with the Washington, DC area’s top endocrinologists to provide patients with optimal care before and after surgery.
The exact procedure you need to undergo varies according to the type of endocrine problem you have. Cancer treatment is likely to involve the removal of the cancerous mass and surrounding tissue, which could include the whole gland.
If you have two glands - like the adrenals - your remaining gland should take over the production of hormones after your surgery. You’ll probably have to take hormone supplements for a while until the remaining gland starts producing enough hormone by itself.
If the surgery involves complete removal of a gland like the thyroid, of which you only have one, you would need to take hormone supplements for the rest of your life to keep your body working as it should.
Wherever possible, Dr. Kalan uses a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique to remove the affected gland. This might not always be possible, but he can discuss your options with you before your surgery.
For more information about endocrine system surgery, please call the Washington Institute of Surgery today or book an appointment online.
