By Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi, Consultant Endocrine & General Surgeon

Endocrine surgery is a highly specialized field that focuses on surgical treatment of hormone-producing glands of the body — including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. These glands, though small in size, play a vital role in regulating major bodily functions such as metabolism, calcium balance, stress response, and more.

At Advanced International Hospital (AIH), Islamabad, we are proud to lead the way in offering advanced, safe, and patient-centered endocrine surgical care. With a combination of cutting-edge technology, experienced surgical teams, and a multidisciplinary approach, AIH has become a referral center for complex endocrine cases.

What Is Endocrine Surgery?

Endocrine surgery involves the diagnosis and removal (or partial removal) of hormone-secreting glands that are:

• Overactive (hyperfunctioning)
• Enlarged or nodular
• Cancerous or suspicious for malignancy
• Causing symptoms due to hormone imbalance

The main types of endocrine surgeries include:

• Thyroidectomy – for thyroid nodules, cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism
• Parathyroidectomy – for primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Adrenalectomy – for adrenal tumors or hormone-producing masses
• Pancreatic endocrine tumor surgery – for insulinomas, gastrinomas, etc.

AIH’s Role in Advancing Endocrine Surgery in Pakistan

AIH is at the forefront of delivering expert endocrine surgical care. As a tertiary care referral hospital, we follow international guidelines and provide comprehensive evaluation, surgery, and postoperative support to ensure optimal outcomes.

Why Choose AIH for Endocrine Surgery?

1) Experienced Surgical Expertise

• Endocrine surgeries at AIH are led by specialists with focused training in thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and endocrine tumor management.
• Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi and the surgical team bring years of surgical precision and expertise to every case.

2) High-Definition Imaging & Diagnostics

• Accurate preoperative localization using ultrasound, CT/MRI, Sestamibi scan, and nuclear imaging.
• On-site laboratory for hormonal profiling and tumor markers.

3) Minimally Invasive Techniques

• Whenever possible, surgeries are performed using minimally invasive approaches (small incisions, endoscopic or video-assisted techniques), leading to:
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Minimal scarring
  • Shorter hospital stay

4) Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

• For thyroid and parathyroid surgeries, AIH uses nerve monitoring systems to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve and prevent voice complications.

5) Multidisciplinary Team Approach

• Collaboration between endocrinologists, anesthetists, radiologists, and pathologists ensures holistic care.
• Complex cases like thyroid cancer or MEN syndromes are discussed in tumor boards.

6) Postoperative Support & Monitoring

• Advanced recovery protocols
• Calcium monitoring after parathyroid surgery
• Hormone replacement therapy where needed
• Voice rehabilitation and follow-up care

Common Conditions We Treat at AIH

1. Thyroid Nodules & Cancer

• Cold nodules, goiters, suspicious nodules
• Papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer
• Total or hemi-thyroidectomy based on disease type

2. Hyperparathyroidism

• Elevated calcium, kidney stones, bone pain, and fatigue
• Focused parathyroidectomy or four-gland exploration depending on scan results

3. Adrenal Tumors

• Hormone-secreting tumors (pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s, Conn’s syndrome)
• Laparoscopic or open adrenalectomy depending on tumor size and risk

4. Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors

• Insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas
• Requires careful localization and surgical excision

🛡️ Safety & Precision – The AIH Standard

• AIH follows international surgical safety protocols to reduce risks and enhance patient outcomes.
• We ensure that all endocrine surgeries are performed with the highest attention to anatomical detail and functional preservation.
• Infection control, anesthesia safety, and postoperative pain management are embedded in every patient’s care plan.

Empowering Patients Through Education

• At AIH, we believe in informed decision-making.
• Patients are thoroughly briefed on their condition, surgical options, expected recovery, and risks.
• Every surgery is personalized to the patient’s medical history and goals.

Conclusion: Your Endocrine Health Matters

As a consultant endocrine and general surgeon, I, Dr. Frogh-e-Elahi, am proud to be part of a healthcare facility that values clinical excellence, patient safety, and compassionate care.

Endocrine disorders can be silent but serious. Timely diagnosis and expert surgical intervention can prevent long-term complications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like neck swelling, hoarseness, unexplained weight changes, or high calcium levels — it’s time to consult a specialist.