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Endocrine responses to head and neck surgery in men
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Major head and neck surgery significantly alters endocrine function, increasing adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) while decreasing sex hormones. Thyroid hormone (T4) levels also rise post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Physiology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Surgical stress impacts endocrine function and metabolism.
- The endocrine response to surgery is type- and extent-dependent.
- Limited data exist on endocrine changes following major head and neck surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endocrine and metabolic changes during and after major head and neck surgery.
- To quantify alterations in key hormone levels in response to this specific surgical procedure.
Main Methods:
- Plasma hormone levels (ACTH, cortisol, TSH, T4, T3, GH, PRL, LH, FSH, oestradiol, testosterone) were measured in 17 patients.
- Measurements were taken preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 2 and 4 days after surgery.
Main Results:
- Immediate postoperative increases observed in ACTH, cortisol, PRL, and GH.
- Decreased oestradiol and testosterone levels were noted immediately after surgery.
- Cortisol remained elevated up to day 4, while GH returned to baseline by day 4.
- T4 levels increased on postoperative days 2 and 4; no significant changes in LH, FSH, TSH, or T3 were observed.
Conclusions:
- Major head and neck surgery induces significant, distinct endocrine alterations.
- Prolonged cortisol elevation may be linked to vagal stimulation.
- Increased metabolic demands post-surgery could explain elevated T4 levels.