Endocrine surgery refers to a surgical specialty for diseases of endocrine organs such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pituitary and pancreas. Endocrine surgeons are trained surgeons with special interest in surgical diseases of endocrine organs. These surgeons work closely with endocrinologists, radiologists and pathologists, all of whom share similar interests in the management of patients with these conditions. The section of endocrine surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center consists of three endocrine surgeons including Dr. William H. Snyder, Dr. Fiemu E. Nwariaku and Dr. Shelby Holt  . Their interests include thyroid surgery, minimally-invasive parathyroidectomy, laparoscopic adrenal surgery and neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and GI tract.

Endocrine glands produce hormones that affect the function of other organs or systems. The function of endocrine glands is in turn responsive to other hormones in the bloodstream.  While many organs in the body secrete hormones, the endocrine glands that frequently require surgery include the adrenal, pancreas, pituitary and parathyroid glands.

Endocrine surgeons have a major interest in the care of patients with disorders of adrenal gland, pancreas, pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands.  These surgeons usually work closely with endocrinologists in the evaluation and treatment of patients with endocrine disorders and may also be involved in the study of these disorders.