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Dr. Luke Miller, MD is an otolaryngologist in Elmhurst, IL specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School in 2017 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Luke Miller, MD is affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Health, Elmhurst Hospital and Endeavor Health Medical Group.
1200 S. York Street Suite 4180
Elmhurst, IL 60126
303 W. Lake Street Suite 200
Addison, IL 60101
Parathyroid Surgery
Parathyroid surgery is a procedure done to identify and remove diseased parathyroid glands. These tiny glands in the neck regulate calcium levels in the body. Occasionally, one or more of the parathyroid glands can become hyperactive, swelling and causing too much calcium to be moved from the bones to the bloodstream. This is called hyperparathyroidism, and it can cause problems including weakness, nervous system disorders, and kidney problems. To treat hyperparathyroidism, overactive parathyroid glands are removed.
One kind of parathyroid surgery is called bilateral neck exploration. The surgeon finds and looks at all of the parathyroid glands on both sides of the neck, visually identifying any that are diseased and removing them. Minimally invasive, or focused, parathyroidectomy is done to remove a single diseased gland. The gland causing problems is identified before surgery using localization techniques such as hormonal or radiology testing. Since in most cases only one gland is causing problems, focused parathyroidectomy is a common alternative to bilateral neck exploration. Both procedures are safe and effective.
In the rare case that all four glands are diseased, the surgeon will either remove three and a half glands and leave one half in place, or all four will be removed and part of one gland will be transplanted into the forearm. This is done to keep calcium levels where they should be.
After surgery, patients will have a bandage on their neck and a sore throat. Patients may only want liquids or very soft food for the first day, and thy may be asked to take calcium supplements for a while until their remaining parathyroid glands begin functioning well again. Recovery is fairly quick, and within a few days patients should be feeling like themselves again.
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.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove both tonsils and is most widely used to treat tonsillitis (tonsil inflammation), which occurs when the tonsils (two tissue glands in the back of the throat) become infected and enlarged. Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are frequently caused by tonsilitis. Similar conditions that tonsillectomy may treat include recurring throat infections (6 or more per year) and obstructed breathing from enlarged tonsils that block the airway.
Tonsillectomies are usually performed on children; however, many adults also undergo the procedure. A tonsillectomy generally only lasts for about half an hour following the administration of anesthesia. The otolaryngologist (ENT) or surgeon performing a tonsillectomy may employ a variety of medical techniques, such as:
Patients are typically able to return home shortly after having their tonsils removed. Tonsillectomy recovery time may range from around ten days to two weeks. During this time, it is common for patients to have a sore throat, neck pain, and a hoarse voice. Patients are advised to consume soft foods such as ice cream and applesauce to avoid further throat irritation. After recovering from tonsillectomy, many patients experience improved breathing, reduced irritation, and an overall improved quality of life.
Dr. Luke Miller, MD graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School in 2017. He completed residency at University of Tennessee Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School (2017)
Residency: University of Tennessee Affiliated Hospitals (2022)
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Luke Miller, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Luke Miller practices otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) in Elmhurst, IL and Addison, IL. His clinical interests include sleep apnea, snoring, and thyroid surgery. Dr. Miller attended medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School. His training includes a residency program at a hospital affiliated with the University of Tennessee. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Edward-Elmhurst Health and Elmhurst Hospital.