AANA journal course. The endocrine system. Preoperative evaluation and physical assessment of the patients. Part...

The endocrine system is primarily concerned with governing body processes. Abnormalities of this system can lead to wide-spread pathophysiological effects. Since patients with underlying endocrine disease are frequently encountered in the operating room, an understanding of the normal gland and its pathology is essential. Because these patients are at increased risk, the identification of these patients and optimum preoperative planning are imperative.