Endocrine Surgery in Melbourne
Endocrine surgery involves the surgical management of conditions affecting the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Our endocrine surgeon treats a broad range of conditions, from thyroid cancer and goitre to primary hyperparathyroidism and adrenal tumours, using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques wherever possible.
Led by Dr Ernest Lim, a FRACS-qualified endocrine surgeon and supported by an experienced Allied Health team, we provide personalised care at every stage, from your first consultation through to a full recovery.
We have clinics in Essendon and Bundoora, serving patients across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
When to see an endocrine surgeon
If you are experiencing any of the following, a consultation with our endocrine surgeon may be appropriate:
- A thyroid nodule or goitre requiring surgical evaluation
- A diagnosis of thyroid cancer or a high clinical suspicion on biopsy
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) not adequately controlled by medication
- Elevated calcium levels (hypercalcaemia) are linked to parathyroid disease
- A diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism
- An adrenal mass or incidentaloma identified on imaging
- Symptoms suggestive of phaeochromocytoma or Conn’s syndrome
- Previous endocrine surgery has not resolved your symptoms
A GP referral is required to book your initial consultation.
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(03) 9466 7338Our endocrine surgery procedures
Adrenalectomy
Adrenalectomy is the removal of one or both adrenal glands. It is indicated for phaeochromocytoma, Conn’s syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, and large or suspicious adrenal incidentalomas. The laparoscopic approach is used in most cases, offering smaller incisions and a faster recovery than open surgery.
Patients with hormonally active tumours require pre-operative medical optimisation in collaboration with an endocrinologist before proceeding to surgery.
Parathyroidectomy
Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more overactive parathyroid glands and is the only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition that causes elevated blood calcium and can lead to kidney stones, osteoporosis, and fatigue.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is performed in most cases and is typically a day procedure, with most patients recovering fully within a few days.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. It is performed for thyroid cancer, a large or symptomatic goitre, or hyperthyroidism not controlled by medication.
Either a hemithyroidectomy (one lobe) or total thyroidectomy is recommended based on biopsy and imaging findings.
Most patients are discharged within 1-2 days and return to desk-based work within 1-2 weeks.
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(03) 9466 7338Your endocrine surgery journey
Understanding what to expect at each stage helps reduce uncertainty and lets you feel fully prepared. Here is what the endocrine surgery typically looks like at Specialist Surgical Group.
1. GP referral
Your GP has referred you to us. A standard referral is valid for 12 months and entitles you to a Medicare rebate on your consultation fee.
If you need help finding a GP in your area, we can assist.
2. Initial consultation
You will meet with Dr Lim to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant test results, imaging, or biopsy findings. He will explain your diagnosis and treatment options, answer your questions, and begin forming a personalised plan.
In some cases, additional investigations, such as blood tests, ultrasound, or nuclear medicine scans, may be requested before a recommendation is made.
3. Pre-operative assessment
Before surgery, you will complete blood tests, imaging, and any required specialist assessments.
For hormonally active conditions, this may include collaborating with an endocrinologist to optimise your hormone levels before the procedure.
This ensures you are medically prepared and that the surgical plan is tailored to your individual needs.
4. Procedure day
Surgical procedures are performed at an accredited Melbourne hospital. Most patients are admitted on the morning of surgery.
The length of your hospital stay will depend on the procedure, ranging from a one-day procedure for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy to 1-2 nights for thyroidectomy or adrenalectomy.
5. Post-operative recovery
We will provide clear guidance on your post-operative diet, activity levels, wound care, and what to look out for during recovery.
For patients who require thyroid hormone replacement or calcium supplementation after surgery, detailed instructions will be provided before discharge.
6. Results and follow-up
Your care continues well beyond surgery. We schedule follow-up appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, with ongoing access to our care team for as long as you need support.
For patients treated for thyroid or adrenal cancer, follow-up schedules are tailored to your individual recovery and surveillance plan.
Meet our endocrine surgeon
Our endocrine surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with subspecialty training in endocrine, bariatric, and laparoscopic surgery, and has performed hundreds of thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal procedures across Melbourne.
Why choose us
Our difference lies in combining a highly experienced endocrine surgeon with the latest surgical techniques and individualised care that puts you first.
Experienced endocrine surgeon
Dr Ernest Lim is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with advanced specialist training in endocrine surgery.
He has extensive experience performing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and adrenalectomy procedures across Melbourne.
Minimally invasive techniques
Wherever clinically appropriate, Dr Lim uses laparoscopic (keyhole) approaches that result in smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to daily activities compared to open surgery.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy are among the preferred approaches at Specialist Surgical Group.
Multidisciplinary team
Dr Lim works alongside endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians, pathologists, and our dedicated nursing and Allied Health team at every stage, from pre-operative workup through to long-term follow-up.
This coordinated approach ensures that every aspect of your journey is thoroughly managed.
Our reputation speaks volumes
I’ve had a complex medical history due to a fall at work, and out of all of the specialists I’ve seen, he is definitely one of, if not, the best!
Thanks to Dr Tog, I have been able to stop medication I’ve been on for years, I can now eat a dessert on a night out (if I choose to) and my family and I don’t live in fear of me waking in the middle of the night choking on what I’d eaten and/or being unable to breathe because of it. It’s also fantastic to not be hoarse for a couple of days after an episode or aspirating food/acid into my lungs from all of the above. The surgery has been life changing.
I highly recommend Dr Chek Tog to anyone who may require Upper GI advice and/ or surgery.
The icing on the cake for me, is that the reception staff at both his Essendon and Unihill/ Bundoora clinics were amazing. They were some of the most welcoming receptionists I’ve experienced and incredibly helpful- making what could have been a traumatic experience (consultations, dealing with WorkCover, surgery bookings etc.)- a very positive one.
I wish to thank all involved in my recent GI surgical journey (June 26) for their care and professionalism. If I could give 10 stars I would.
There is 2 hour street parking just around the corner in Bridge road.
I always know that when I walk through the door, no matter who I’m seeing, I’m in excellent hands.
I would also like to acknowledge the reception staff, Jenn, Fab, Ros, and Jacqui who consistently demonstrated efficiency, courtesy, and a genuinely empathetic approach.
A wonderful team providing high-quality care in a supportive and friendly environment. Highly recommended.
He has been a godsend. Thank you all x
The surgery went perfectly, and I’ve had a smooth, complication-free recovery. Dr Tog’s professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail have been exceptional. I truly appreciate the care and support I’ve received and couldn’t recommend him highly enough to anyone considering weight-loss surgery.
I would highly recommend the Specialist Surgical Group and the wonderful staff both at Uni Hill and Essendon
The reception staff were also very helpful, I dealt with Jacqui more but both staff members are very friendly and supportive. They managed appointments efficiently and followed up with us regularly, which we truly appreciated.
My husband’s wound has healed exceptionally well and we have experienced no issues at all. We are very satisfied with the professional care provided to us by Chek Tog and his team. We highly recommended.
Now 4 months post-op, I’m feeling great and the operation has been a complete success.
I highly recommend Mr. Tog.
From the very beginning, Dr Tog took the time to explain everything in clear detail, providing both reassurance and confidence at every step. His professionalism, integrity, and calm manner immediately put me at ease. He genuinely cares about his patients, and unlike some past experiences I have had elsewhere, he goes above and beyond to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable before proceeding. If there were any concerns or potential issues, he made it clear he would point them out honestly before taking the next step. That kind of transparency builds trust, and it gave me the peace of mind I needed going into such a significant procedure.
I also want to acknowledge his outstanding team. The reception staff, Jacqui and Ros, deserve special mention for their friendliness, professionalism, and excellent communication. Their clear instructions, timely emails, and helpful phone calls leading up to the surgery made the whole process run smoothly and stress-free. Nothing was ever too much trouble, even when extra steps were required with paperwork, payment and coordination.
Dr Tog also works with a highly skilled anaesthetist and surgical team, and together they delivered an excellent experience from start to finish. I felt completely supported throughout, and I am very grateful for the level of care provided.
Overall, this has been a truly positive experience and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Chek Heng Tog to anyone facing surgery, no matter how complex. His professionalism, compassion, and patient-first approach are 10/10. I am very thankful for his expertise, the smooth recovery so far, and the outstanding support from his team. This is the kind of surgeon and team that gives patients full confidence they are in the best hands possible.
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(03) 9466 7338Endocrine surgery FAQ
Yes. A valid GP or specialist referral is required for your initial consultation and enables a Medicare rebate. Referrals are typically valid for 12 months. Contact our clinic if you need help arranging one.
A hemithyroidectomy (partial thyroidectomy) removes one lobe of the thyroid gland and is often sufficient for a single benign nodule or early localised cancer. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland and is typically recommended for thyroid cancer, large bilateral goitres, or Graves’ disease. We will explain which approach is most appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.
Patients who undergo a total thyroidectomy will require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy (thyroxine), as the body can no longer produce its own thyroid hormone. For those who have a partial thyroidectomy, hormone replacement may or may not be required depending on the function of the remaining lobe. We will monitor your thyroid hormone levels closely after surgery and adjust your medication accordingly.
In most cases, yes. A minimally invasive parathyroidectomy targeting a single overactive gland is typically performed as a day procedure or with an overnight stay. More complex cases involving multiple gland disease may require a slightly longer stay. Your specific hospital stay will be discussed with you during your pre-operative consultation.
An adrenal incidentaloma is an adrenal mass discovered incidentally on imaging performed for another reason. Not all incidentalomas require surgery. We will assess the size of the lesion, its imaging characteristics, and whether it is hormonally active before recommending the most appropriate management, which may include observation, further investigation, or surgical removal.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Most patients who undergo a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy are back to normal activities within a few days. Thyroidectomy patients typically return to desk-based work within 1-2 weeks. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy patients generally recover within 2-4 weeks. We will provide you with a personalised recovery plan at your pre-operative appointment.
Located in Essendon & Bundoora
Keilor Road Specialist and Wellness Centre
163 Keilor Road, Essendon, VIC 3040
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
patient@specialistsurgicalgroup.com.au
(03) 9466 7338
UniHill Specialist Centre
Suite 32, 240 Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
patient@specialistsurgicalgroup.com.au
(03) 9466 7338
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.