Surgery Clinic of Tupelo

Endocrine disorders can cause a range of physical symptoms that can be distressing and interfere with daily activities, including significant weight changes, persistent fatigue or temperature sensitivity. 

Our surgeons specialize in treating diseases and disorders affecting the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands and parts of the pancreas, which play a critical role in regulating vital body functions through hormone secretion. When these glands malfunction due to various conditions, surgical intervention often becomes necessary.

Common Conditions

Some of the most common conditions that warrant endocrine surgery include:

Thyroid Disorders: One of the most frequent reasons for endocrine surgery involves the thyroid gland. Conditions such as thyroid nodules, goiter, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer can significantly impact a person’s health.

Parathyroid Conditions: The parathyroid glands, tiny glands located near the thyroid, are essential in regulating calcium levels in the body. Hyperparathyroidism, a condition where these glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, often leads to elevated calcium levels, which can cause various symptoms and health issues.

Adrenal Gland Disorders: The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Tumors or overactivity in these glands can lead to conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma and adrenal cancer.

Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors: While less common, tumors can develop in the endocrine tissues of the pancreas, affecting hormone production. These tumors, like insulinomas or gastrinomas, may require surgical removal to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.

Common Procedures

Thyroidectomy: This surgery involves the partial or total removal of the thyroid gland. It’s commonly performed to treat thyroid cancer, large goiters, hyperthyroidism, or nodules that may be causing discomfort or are potentially malignant.

Parathyroidectomy: This procedure involves the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, which are small glands located near the thyroid. It’s most commonly performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition where one or more of these glands are overactive and cause high levels of calcium in the blood.

Adrenalectomy: This surgery entails the removal of one or both adrenal glands, located above each kidney. It’s performed to treat conditions like adrenal tumors (including pheochromocytomas, aldosteronomas and adrenal carcinomas), Cushing’s syndrome and other disorders that lead to the overproduction of adrenal hormones.

Pancreatectomy: This can refer to either the partial or total removal of the pancreas. While it’s often associated with pancreatic cancer, pancreatectomy is also performed to remove tumors or lesions on the endocrine (hormone-producing) parts of the pancreas, such as insulinomas or gastrinomas.

Is Endocrine Surgery Right for Me?

Determining whether you qualify for endocrine surgery and if it is the right course of action involves several considerations and typically depends on a variety of health-related factors.

Surgeries, such as those for thyroid cancer, large goiters, overactive parathyroid glands or functional adrenal tumors, are typically recommended for severe, progressive conditions or those posing significant health risks. This decision often comes into play after less invasive treatments like medication or lifestyle changes have proven ineffective.

The patient’s overall health and fitness for surgery are paramount in this decision-making process. Surgery may be suitable for those in good general health, while chronic conditions or health issues that elevate surgical risks necessitate careful consideration. Additionally, the patient’s personal preferences, lifestyle impact and the potential for malignancy in certain tumors are crucial factors in determining the right course of care.

Stomach and intestinal problems can be a major hindrance to your health and well-being and can bring your life to a standstill. When other types of treatment have failed to address these issues, gastrointestinal surgery may be recommended to provide the best chance of positive outcomes.

Gastrointestinal surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures targeting the abdominal organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and abdominal wall. These surgeries can range from minor procedures to complex open surgeries, depending on the specific condition and patient needs.

Our gastrointestinal specialists are adept in utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology, particularly laparoscopic techniques. These minimally invasive methods, which involve small incisions and the use of a camera and specialized tools, are our preferred approach for many procedures. The benefits of this technique are significant—it typically results in less postoperative discomfort for the patient, reduced risk of complications, and notably faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.

Common Conditions 

Hernias: Such as inguinal, hiatal, or umbilical hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue.

Peptic Ulcers: In cases where ulcers are bleeding, perforated, or have caused an obstruction.

Pancreatitis: Severe cases of pancreatitis, especially those involving complications, might necessitate surgical intervention.

Liver Diseases: Such as liver tumors or cirrhosis, where surgery might be required for treatment or liver transplantation.

Diverticulitis: Particularly in cases of complicated diverticulitis where there is significant infection or perforation.

Gastrointestinal Cancers: In cases of cancer affecting the gastrointestinal tract, surgery is often a key component of the treatment plan.

Common Procedures

Cholecystectomy: The surgical removal of the gallbladder, often necessary due to gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.

Anti-Reflux Procedures: These are performed to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus).

Appendectomy: The removal of the appendix, usually performed as an emergency procedure in the case of appendicitis.

Colon Resection: Also known as a colectomy, this procedure involves removing part or all of the colon and is often necessary for conditions like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Splenectomy: The surgical removal of the spleen, which may be required due to conditions like splenic rupture, certain blood disorders or cancers affecting the spleen.

Gastrostomy: A procedure to create an opening from the abdominal wall into the stomach for a feeding tube, which can be necessary for patients who are unable to eat normally.

Is Gastrointestinal Surgery Right for Me?

Evaluating a patient’s eligibility for gastrointestinal surgery involves an in-depth review of their medical history, an assessment of the specific gastrointestinal issue that might need surgical attention, and a thorough examination of their general health.

When less invasive approaches like medication or dietary modifications fail to effectively control or alleviate the condition, surgery might be the next recommended step, while urgent medical situations like acute appendicitis or bowel perforation require immediate surgical resolution.

Whether you need minimally invasive surgery for a common medical condition or are facing a more complex surgical procedure, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. 

Whether you have an acute or chronic condition that requires a minimally invasive procedure or open surgery, our team is committed to offering the highest standard of surgical care, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Common Conditions 

• Gallbladder Diseases
• Hernias
• Appendicitis
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders

Common Procedures

Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera to perform surgeries with less pain and quicker recovery times. It’s commonly used for gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and certain gastrointestinal surgeries.

Colon Surgery: We offer a range of surgeries to treat conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, including colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and hemorrhoids.

Endocrine Surgery: Specializing in surgeries of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, our surgeons are skilled in treating various endocrine disorders.

Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery: Our services include the surgical treatment of skin lesions, cysts and soft tissue tumors.

How to Know When You Need Surgery

Determining whether you need minimally invasive surgery or a more complex surgical procedure is a process that involves a thorough evaluation by our surgical team. Some factors that influence this decision include the specific condition being treated, your overall health and the expected outcomes of surgery. General surgery may be right for you if:

• Non-surgical treatments have been ineffective. Often, surgery is considered after other less invasive treatments have failed to provide relief or improvement.
• You have a condition that is best treated surgically. Certain conditions, such as hernias or gallbladder disease, are most effectively treated through surgical intervention.
• You are in good overall health for surgery. While underlying health conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from surgery, optimal candidates are those who are in good health or have their existing health conditions well-managed.

Whether you are seeking relief from vein discomfort, treatment for a serious venous condition or looking to improve your overall quality of life, we can help.

Living with swollen and twisted varicose veins can significantly impact your daily life, leaving you with aching legs that feel heavy and challenging to move, let alone exercise. This discomfort and swelling are typically due to an abnormal accumulation of blood in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become more prominent.

Such venous diseases including varicosities, chronic edema, leg ulcers and leg fatigue, often necessitate medical attention and can be effectively treated through various minimally invasive procedures.

Our vein specialists are adept at addressing these venous issues with a range of minimally invasive techniques designed to alleviate discomfort and restore the health and appearance of your legs. These procedures are tailored to suit each patient’s specific needs and condition, ensuring optimal outcomes with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Common Conditions 

Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A condition where the veins in the legs struggle to send blood back to the heart, causing swelling, pain and skin changes.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can be life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs.

Venous Ulcers: Open sores or wounds that occur when the veins in the legs do not push blood back up to the heart effectively.

Spider Veins: Smaller, colored veins that appear close to the skin’s surface and are often cosmetic concerns.

Common Procedures

Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves the injection of a chemical solution into the varicose veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade away.

Vein Stripping: A surgical method that involves tying off the affected veins and removing them through small incisions in the skin. This technique is used for more severe cases of varicose veins.

Phlebectomy: In this procedure, varicose veins are removed through tiny incisions made in the skin, providing relief from pain and swelling.

Endovenous Thermal Ablation: This advanced technique uses laser or radiofrequency energy to close off and ablate the problematic vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.

Is Vein Surgery Right for Me?

Evaluating your suitability for vein surgery requires a thorough analysis of various factors, including the severity of your vein condition, how well non-surgical treatments have worked and your overall health status.

When symptoms of vein-related issues become severe, causing notable pain, swelling or limiting mobility, surgical intervention might be necessary. Additionally, if there’s a high risk of complications from conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), immediate surgical action may be required.

Surgery is also an option when non-invasive methods like compression stockings, lifestyle adjustments or medications fail to alleviate the symptoms.

For those troubled by the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins, surgery might be sought for cosmetic improvement. Each of these scenarios is carefully considered to determine the most appropriate course of action for effective treatment and improved quality of life.

Are you struggling with your weight? Know that you are not alone. More than 40% of people in the U.S. suffer from obesity. 

Losing weight can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially when traditional weight-loss methods like diet and exercise seem to make little impact. This struggle is not just about shedding pounds; it’s an intricate battle involving genetic predispositions, metabolic rates, and psychological hurdles, often leaving people feeling defeated and hopeless.

Our team offers both medical and surgical weight loss solutions.

Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss candidates are ages 21-69 with:

• BMI ≥27 
• Goal to lose 40-60 pounds

Our program includes:

• Consultation with a physician or nurse practitioner who specializes in weight loss
• Necessary lab tests (billed to insurance or self-pay option)
• Prescription for GLP-1 injectable weight loss medication (Wegovy® or Zepbound®)
• Consultation with a registered dietitian who specializes in weight loss
• Exercise recommendation for weight loss

You will receive a prescription to have filled at the pharmacy of your choice. You will be responsible for self-administering the injection once per week.

Patients typically reach their target weight in about six months.

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery can be a transformative tool, resetting the body’s physical functions and enabling substantial, sustainable weight loss. It’s not just about reducing stomach size; it’s about reprogramming the body’s hunger signals and metabolism, offering a profound and effective intervention for those who have long struggled with obesity.

A person is considered significantly overweight when their weight impairs daily activities or leads to significant co-morbidities.

Surgical candidates are ages 21-69 with: 

• BMI ≥35, regardless of co-morbidities (about 100 pounds over ideal body weight)
• Type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥30
• BMI of 30-34.9 and without substantial or durable weight loss or co-morbidity improvement using nonsurgical methods

We offer two surgical options for weight loss — sleeve gastrectomy, which accounts for up to 75% of weight loss surgeries, and gastric bypass. Both procedures are minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries.

Coupled with lifestyle modifications, you can expect to lose up to one-third of your body weight within one year after surgery. 

No referral is required. Learn more about weight loss surgery.

We understand that each patient’s weight-loss journey is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs.