Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD is a pediatric general surgeon in Spokane, WA specializing in pediatric general surgery. He graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2009 and has 17 years of experience. Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD is affiliated with Providence.
Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Surgery)
Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal glands, which lie above each kidney. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that are necessary for bodily functions, such as the regulation of blood pressure and metabolism. If the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones, or if a tumor grows on them, removal of the glands is a treatment option.
Adrenal surgery can be open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) through several small incisions on the abdomen. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to guide the procedure and is able to access and remove adrenal glands through the small incisions. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is associated with shorter recovery periods, reduced risk of infection, and smaller scars. Although these factors may be desirable, the location of the tumor, its size, and the severity of the condition may require that an individual instead undergo open surgery. An open adrenalectomy is typically done for larger adrenal tumors and requires a single, large incision on the abdomen. Open adrenal surgery takes around 2-4 hours.
Following the operation, patients will remain in the hospital for 1-2 days for a laparoscopic adrenalectomy or 3-5 days for an open adrenalectomy. Patients will likely have a liquid diet immediately after their surgery, but should be able to return to solid foods after a day. If both of the glands are removed, patients will be given drug therapy to replace the hormones they produced.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove a small sample of cells for testing. The cells are examined in a laboratory to check for disease, or sometimes to see how badly a known disease is affecting them. Biopsy can be performed on any part of the body.
Although biopsy is most often associated with cancer, it can also be used to check for other diseases, such as infections. A biopsy sample can be scraped, cut, collected with a needle, taken with a machine that punches out a tiny piece, or removed with the tiny tools in an endoscope.
In most cases, a biopsy is a simple outpatient procedure. Depending on the procedure, patients may need to stop taking certain medications beforehand, such as blood thinners. It is important for patients to tell doctors if they are pregnant, as certain biopsies require the use of x-rays to guide the needle to the right location. There is usually very little pain associated with a biopsy. Patients will have to wait a few days to hear the results.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.
Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.
Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.
An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.
Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.
Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2009. He completed residency at University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and has a state license in Washington.
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine (2009)
Residency: University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals (2016)
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
Licensed In: Washington
Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, Humana PPO, CIGNA PPO, Wellcare Medicare (HMO), Medicare Advantage, Interplan PPO, TriWest, United Healthcare, TRICARE, Medicaid, Regence Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare Medicaid, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health), Providence, Humana HMO, First Health, WellPoint, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, Aetna Medicare PPO, Asuris Northwest Health PPO, Naphcare, Pacific Source Health PPO, Stevens County SheriffS Office, State of Washington Department of Corrections, Premera, Ferry County Jail, Evernorth PPO, Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service PPO, First Choice PPO, Regence BlueShield of Washington PPO and Interwest Health PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Jarod P. McAteer, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Spokane, WA.
Dr. Jarod McAteer practices pediatric general surgery. He attended the University of Washington School of Medicine and subsequently trained at a hospital affiliated with the University of Washington for residency. His clinical interests include moles, achalasia, and feeding tube insertion. Dr. McAteer's average rating from his patients is 4.5 stars (out of 5). Dr. McAteer seems to honor Blue California, HealthSmart, Coventry, and more. He is professionally affiliated with Providence. He welcomes new patients at his office inSpokane, WA as reported by Doctor.com.