Endocrine & Bariatric Surgery in Ireland
Endocrine surgery treats the hormone-producing glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, while bariatric surgery treats severe obesity with operations such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. This section also covers surgery for complications of diabetes.
Endocrine & Bariatric Surgery procedures we cover
Every guide includes public waiting times, private costs in Ireland, and the EU Cross-Border option reimbursed by the HSE.
Gastric Sleeve & Gastric Bypass
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are weight-loss (bariatric) operations that reduce the size of the stomach and change hunger hormones. They're the…
Parathyroid & Adrenal Surgery
Parathyroid surgery removes an overactive parathyroid gland that is raising calcium levels, while adrenal surgery removes an adrenal gland affected by a…
Pituitary Surgery
Pituitary surgery removes tumours from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, usually through the nose with no external cuts.…
Surgery for Diabetic Complications
Surgery for diabetic complications treats problems caused by long-term diabetes, most commonly foot ulcers, infections and poor circulation. Prompt treatment by a…
Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy removes all or part of the thyroid gland in the neck. It's used for thyroid nodules, goitre, an overactive thyroid…
Have your surgery in weeks, not years
Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.
Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.
*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.
Hormone glands and weight-loss surgery
Endocrine surgery is usually planned after tests by an endocrinologist show a gland is overactive, enlarged or contains a nodule that needs removal. Thyroid cancer and some adrenal and pituitary tumours are prioritised, while benign goitres and overactive glands may involve a wait.
Bariatric surgery is provided publicly in a small number of Irish centres, and capacity is limited compared with the number of people who could benefit. Patients usually need a structured programme with dietitian, psychology and medical input before and after surgery.
Your options
You can be treated publicly with a referral, privately in Ireland, or in another EU country under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, claiming back up to the Irish public cost for treatment the HSE would provide. Most endocrine and bariatric operations involve an overnight stay, so prior authorisation is needed.
If you have bariatric surgery abroad, plan your long-term follow-up in Ireland in advance, including vitamin monitoring and dietitian support, as these are essential for lifelong health after surgery.
Questions about endocrine & bariatric surgery
What does an endocrine surgeon do?
They operate on hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, often working closely with endocrinologists.
Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?
Generally adults with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea, who have tried other measures. Your specialist team will assess suitability.
Can I have bariatric surgery abroad and claim it back?
Bariatric surgery can be eligible under the Cross-Border Directive with a referral and prior authorisation, provided it's a treatment the HSE would provide to you. Plan your long-term Irish follow-up before you go.
Is thyroid surgery a big operation?
It's usually done through a small cut in the neck, with one or two nights in hospital.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You'll need a GP referral, usually to an endocrinologist or surgeon, and a referral is required for cross-border reimbursement.