Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
At SouthCoast Health Surgery, our surgeons are experienced in thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pancreatic disorders. Dr. Yeager received specialized training in endocrine surgery during his residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
It is well established that surgeon experience (number of endocrine surgeries performed) directly correlates with patient outcome in endocrine surgery. As a result, it is strongly recommended for patients to choose a specialized endocrine surgeon for their surgery.
There are numerous conditions of the thyroid for which surgery is indicated. These include hyperfunction, goiters or enlarged thyroids that press on the windpipe, suspicious nodules and cancer. Our surgeons utilize the latest traditional and minimally invasive surgical methods and will recommend the best approach based on the patient's individual condition. Sometimes half of the thyroid needs to be removed (lobectomy); sometimes the entire thyroid needs to be removed (total thyroidectomy). Sometimes half of the thyroid needs to be removed (lobectomy); sometimes the entire thyroid needs to be removed (total thyroidectomy).
Parathyroid disease is rare. It involves one or all four of the parathyroid glands that sit behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Surgery is indicated in the setting of high calcium levels, kidney disease, or cancer. Typically very small glands (the size of a dime) enlarge and need to be removed. There are many kinds of parathyroid surgery and specific ones are chosen depending on the disease process. Because the procedure is complex, it is important that it be performed by a surgeon, who has extensive parathyroid experience. Minimally invasive approaches with outpatient surgery are available and are performed regularly.
The two adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. Generally, patients are referred for an adrenalectomy after an abdominal medical imaging study reveals an enlarged adrenal gland. At SouthCoast Health Surgery, our specialists can perform adrenalectomy with either conventional or laparoscopic surgery, depending on the patient’s unique condition.
As an endocrine gland, the pancreas produces and releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. There are many types of tumors that can develop in the pancreas and affect its functions. Dr.s Yeager and Dr. Mandel can accurately assess your condition and recommend the appropriate surgical approach. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that may be acute or chronic. For patients whose pancreatitis is the result of gallbladder disease or an obstructed pancreatic duct, traditional or minimally invasive surgery may be necessary.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
