General, Breast and Endocrine Surgeons
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

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  • Image of Dr. Agapay and Dr. Glenn
  • Image of Dr. Agapay and Dr. Glenn's Office
  • Image of Dr. Agapay and Dr. Glenn's Office
  • Image of Dr. Agapay and Dr. Glenn's Office
  • Image of Dr. Agapay and Dr. Glenn

Endocrine Conditions

The endocrine system provides our bodies with the hormones we need for healthy metabolism, sleep, mood, sexual function, growth, and reproduction. In short, we need a healthy endocrine system for a healthy body and good quality of life.

If you have a medical condition that affects your endocrine system, Doctors Allen A. Agapay and Jordan J. Glenn can help. This team of surgeons provides compassionate, skilled endocrine care using minimally invasive procedures that speed healing, minimize pain and scarring, and optimize positive outcomes.

Thyroid Condition

The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate metabolism. It is located in the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (commonly known as the Adam’s apple). Thyroid disease is very common and usually involves overactive glands (hyperthyroidism) that produce too much thyroid hormone, or underactive glands (hypothyroidism) that produce too little thyroid hormone.

Conditions that may require thyroid surgery include:

  • A nodule or cyst on the thyroid
  • An overactive thyroid gland
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Benign thyroid tumors that are making it hard to breathe or swallow

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss
  • Lump in the neck

Diagnosis

  • Thyroid ultrasound: A painless, non-invasive test in which soundwaves are used to create an image of the thyroid gland and any enlarged lymph nodes in the area. The ultrasound shows the physician the size, location, and characteristics of nodules within the thyroid gland.
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: A very fine needle is inserted into the lump to withdraw a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This test will help your doctor determine if the nodule is benign or malignant.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Computed tomography (CT scan): These non-invasive, advanced imaging tests may be needed to see if an enlarged thyroid is pushing into other vital structures in the neck.

Treatment

Surgery is often recommended for patients with thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism that is not relieved by medication. Doctors Agapay and Glenn are experienced in treating thyroid conditions with the most current and minimally invasive techniques.

  • Thyroidectomy: The procedure involves removing the entire thyroid gland. It is performed in a surgical facility under general anesthesia and most patients are able to go home the same day.
  • Thyroid lobectomy: This procedure involves removing the side of the thyroid that has the nodule or tumor. It is performed in a surgical facility under general anesthesia and most patients are able to go home the same day.

Parathyroid Conditions

The four parathyroid glands are about the size of a grain of rice and are located in the neck, near your thyroid gland. They release the hormone that regulates calcium metabolism. Parathyroids produce a parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulates levels of calcium in the bones and urine. Balanced calcium levels are necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys, bones, nervous system and heart.

Symptoms

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Confusion, memory loss
  • Bone pain or fractures
  • Heartburn (GERD)
  • Heart palpitations, high blood pressure
  • Kidney stones

Diagnosis

  • Sestamibi parathyroid scan: A small amount of a safe radioactive material is injected into a vein, and is absorbed by the overactive parathyroid gland. An X-ray image of the chest, neck and head then allows the doctor to identify which gland(s) are overactive based on their reaction to the injected material.
  • Parathyroid ultrasound: A test using soundwaves to create an image of the parathyroid glands. Normal parathyroid glands are usually too small to see on ultrasound, but enlarged abnormal parathyroid glands can be seen by ultrasound.

Treatment

Surgery is recognized as the best treatment for an abnormal parathyroid gland. Calcium imbalance in the body is a serious condition. Too little calcium in the bones can cause osteoporosis. Too much calcium in the blood can cause kidney stones, psychological problems, and can have negative effects on the heart.

Doctors Agapay and Glenn are experts in providing care for patients with parathyroid disorders. They perform minimally invasive techniques that offer excellent outcomes while minimizing scarring, pain and recovery time.

Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery (MIRP) or focused parathyroidectomy: Using a scope through a small incision in the side of your neck, the surgeon removes only the gland(s) that has been identified as diseased in pre-operative tests.

Standard parathyroid surgery: The diseased parathyroid gland(s) is identified and removed through a 2 to 3 inch incision in the lower part of the neck.