Division of General Surgery (Endocrine & Thyroid Surgery)

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and regulate hormones essential for various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood regulation. Hormonal imbalances or dysfunctions in this system can significantly impact your overall health.

THYROID

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the lower part of the neck. The function of this gland is to produce thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood. It helps to control many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, body temperature, heart rate, appetite, and regulation of the menstrual cycle in females. When hormonal function is abnormal, or the thyroid develops nodules or cancer, treatment may be required.

The NUH Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery division offers a seamless and tailored approach to each patient’s treatment, including surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for diagnosis, conventional thyroid surgery, minimally-invasive endoscopic thyroid surgery, robotic thyroid surgery, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of benign thyroid nodules.

PARATHYROID

The parathyroid glands are small glands located behind the thyroid gland, and function to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is responsible for regulation of calcium levels in the body. The average human has four parathyroid glands – two on each side. Abnormally high levels of PTH and calcium can result in a myriad of symptoms, ranging from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased urine, kidney stones, osteoporosis, mood disorders and impaired cognition. This is most often the result of a single hyperfunctioning gland (parathyroid adenoma), or multiple hyperfunctioning glands such as in end-stage renal failure.

NUH Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery division is adept in diagnosis, localisation and surgical removal of the abnormal gland(s), and also offers non-operative treatment in the form of percutaneous injection therapy.

ADRENAL

The adrenal glands are paired endocrine organs located above the kidneys, in the flanks of the body. They produce catecholamines and hormones which regulate metabolism, immunity, blood pressure, stress response, sexual function and other essential functions. Abnormally functioning glands can result in paroxysmal symptoms of headaches and palpitations, high blood pressure (hypertension), Cushing’s syndrome and sexual dysfunction. Hyperfunctioning adrenal nodules and tumours are typically treated with open or minimally-invasive surgery.

We specialise in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a spectrum of endocrine and thyroid medical conditions, including:

• Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Graves’ disease and other disorders
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Adrenal nodules, adrenal cancer and other adrenal disorders

Our commitment to high-quality surgical outcomes begins with an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive evaluation. Following a comprehensive examination, your surgeon will determine the most suitable treatment options for your specific case. The NUH Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery division offers:

• Conventional Open Thyroid Surgery
• Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery
• Minimally-Invasive Robot-Assisted Thyroid Surgery
• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
• Conventional Open Parathyroid Surgery
• Minimally-Invasive Targeted Parathyroid Surgery
• Percutaneous Injection Therapy of Parathyroid Nodules
• Conventional Open Adrenal Surgery
• Laparoscopic Trans-abdominal Adrenal Surgery
• Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Adrenal Surgery