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Surgical Oncology

Medical College of Wisconsin Endocrine Surgery Program

The Endocrine Surgery Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to improving the care of patients with benign and malignant endocrine disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, as well as inherited endocrine syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 and 2. Our high-volume practice uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the latest advances in endocrine surgery.

Surgical Approach & Outcomes

Multidisciplinary Approach with Minimally Invasive Techniques

We offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive endocrine surgical procedures, including:

  • Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring
  • Transabdominal and posterior retroperitoneal laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for thyroid nodules
  • Outpatient procedures for selected patients

Our surgeons work closely with physicians from the Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Endocrine Center at Community Memorial Medical Commons, Department of Radiology, and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

Surgical Outcomes

With over 3,000 procedures performed from 2020–2025, our endocrine surgeons are among the highest-volume providers for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal surgery in Wisconsin. Patients are cared for by a dedicated team of surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals, ensuring perioperative education, continuity of care, and long-term follow-up. This allows for some of the best patient outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery:

  • Transient hypocalcemia requiring oral calcium supplementation is less than 10%
  • Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurs in less than 1% of cases
  • Neck hematoma requiring reoperation occurs in 0.9% of cases
  • Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurs in 1.5% of cases
  • Long-term cure rate following parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism is 97%

American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES)

All of our endocrine surgeons are members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), an international organization devoted to the research and treatment of endocrine surgical diseases. The Medical College of Wisconsin is proud to be one of the few institutions with multiple faculty members who have held leadership roles in AAES:

  • Dr. Stuart Wilson: Founding member and Past-President (1984-1988); and recipient of the Oliver Cope Meritorious Achievement Award (2016)
  • Dr. Douglas Evans: Recorder (2005-2008) and Past-President (2010-2011)
  • Dr. Tracy Wang: Treasurer (2019-2023); current Secretary of the AAES Foundation

We were honored to host the AAES 45th Annual Meeting in May 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Treatment Opportunities

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Adrenal Clinic

Our Multidisciplinary Adrenal Clinic provides coordinated, specialized care for patients with adrenal gland conditions. At their first visit, patients are typically seen by both an endocrinologist and an endocrine surgeon, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation and streamlined care planning. Our team works together to ensure each patient receives the appropriate testing, treatment, and follow-up tailored to their specific needs.

View the Medical College of Wisconsin Algorithm for Evaluation of an Adrenal Incidentaloma (PDF)

Robotic Adrenal Surgery

Our team offers robotic adrenal surgery, which is associated with smaller incisions, less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. The robotic platform enhances precision and allows for complex maneuvers not possible with traditional laparoscopic or open approaches. Our surgeons perform both transabdominal and posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy using this technology, with a strong track record of success.

In addition to performing robotic adrenal surgery, our team also proctors robotic adrenalectomy procedures for other surgeons and institutions, helping to advance the safe and effective adoption of this technique across the region.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Thyroid Nodules

Since 2020, our team has offered ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with thyroid nodules. RFA is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure that provides a non-surgical option for treating benign and hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. It preserves normal thyroid tissue, avoids a surgical scar, and allows most patients to resume normal activities the same day. As of 2025, many insurance companies are providing coverage for this service and we will work with your individual insurance plan.

Learn more about radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Research & Innovation

The endocrine surgery team at the Medical College of Wisconsin leads diverse and collaborative research focused on improving outcomes for patients with thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and other endocrine disorders. Our faculty investigate topics such as diagnostic accuracy, surgical decision-making, perioperative management, and long-term quality of life. With strengths in clinical outcomes research and surgical education, we are committed to advancing evidence-based, multidisciplinary care for patients with benign and malignant endocrine diseases.

  • Our Multidisciplinary Team

    Find information about the surgeons and advanced practice providers within the Endocrine Surgery Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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  • Conditions Treatments

    View information about the conditions and treatments the endocrine surgery program assists with.

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  • Education Training

    Find links to learn about the general surgery residency program and the endocrine surgery fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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  • Patient Information Before and After Surgery

    Find links to learn patient information about before and after thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal surgery.

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  • Request Appointment

    View our surgeons, where they see patients and the phone number to schedule an appointment.

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  • Faculty Publications

    View the endocrine surgery faculty members who have publications.

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Other Links

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