Find Top Doctors for Adrenalectomy (adrenal gland removal surgery)

Why Is Adrenalectomy Surgery Needed?

An adrenalectomy is a surgical operation to remove one or both adrenal glands from the body. The adrenal glands are small organs located right above each kidney. Even though they are small, they make important hormones that control your blood pressure, metabolism, stress response, sugar levels, and other body functions.

Doctors usually recommend adrenalectomy when an adrenal gland has a tumour or is making too much hormone that leads to health problems. The surgery can be done in different ways, sometimes through small cuts (keyhole surgery) or through a larger opening in the belly. Most people recover well after the operation, especially when it is done early and under the care of experienced surgeons.

Purpose & Benefits of Adrenalectomy

● Removes harmful adrenal gland tumours

● Stops excess hormone production

● Helps reduce symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and heart rate changes

● Prevents the spread of cancer when the tumour is malignant

● Helps improve quality of life when medical treatment doesn’t work

● Can correct hormone balance in many patients

Who May Need Adrenalectomy?

● People with adrenal tumours that produce too much hormone (functional tumours)

● Patients with large adrenal masses seen on scans

● People with suspected adrenal cancer

● Cases where adrenal gland tumours cause Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma, or Conn’s syndrome

● Patients whose adrenal tumour is affecting nearby organs

● Individuals with hormonal symptoms not controlled by medicines

Types of Adrenalectomy

1. Open Adrenalectomy

This method involves a large cut in the abdomen or side to access and remove the adrenal gland. Open surgery is usually done when the tumour is large, cancerous, or difficult to remove through small cuts.

2. Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Also known as keyhole surgery, this method uses small incisions and a camera to remove the adrenal gland. It causes smaller scars, less pain, and quicker recovery compared with open surgery.

3. Robotic Adrenalectomy

A variation of laparoscopic surgery where a robotic system helps the surgeon perform precise movements. This is often chosen for complex or difficult cases.

4. Partial or Bilateral Adrenalectomy

In some cases, only part of the gland is removed if possible (partial). If both glands need to be removed, it’s called bilateral adrenalectomy. In this case, you will need lifelong hormone medicine.

Adrenalectomy Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. Assessment and Preparation

You will have blood tests, imaging tests (CT/MRI), and hormone tests.

If your tumour makes too much hormone, you may need medicines to make your body safe for surgery.

2. Anesthesia

The surgery is done under general anesthesia, so you are asleep and pain-free.

3. Surgical Removal

Laparoscopic/robotic: Small cutscameras,a, and instruments are used to carefully remove the adrenal gland.

Open surgery: A larger incision is made to allow direct access to the gland.

4. Closure

After the gland is removed, the surgeon closes the cuts with stitches or staples. Sometimes a drain is placed to remove extra fluid.

5. Recovery in Hospital

You are moved to a recovery room where your vital signs are watched.

Pain medicines and fluids will be given as needed.

Recovery & Aftercare

● If surgery was done through small incisions, many people go home in 1–2 days. For open surgery, hospital stay may be 3–5 days.

● Mild pain and tiredness are normal for a few days.

● Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks.

● Your doctor will check hormone levels and may adjust medicines.

● If both adrenal glands were removed, you will take lifelong hormone replacement medicines.

● Follow-up visits are important to ensure your body adjusts well after surgery.

Risks & Possible Complications

Adrenalectomy is generally safe, but like any surgery, it has possible risks, such as:

● Bleeding during or after surgery

● Infection at the wound site

● Damage to nearby organs like kidneys or liver

● Hormone imbalance after surgery

● Blood clots in the legs or lungs

● Reactions to anesthesia

● Hernia at the incision site (rare)

● Some patients may need lifelong hormone replacement if both glands are removed.

It is important to talk with your doctor about risks based on your health before surgery.

Adrenalectomy vs Other Treatment Options

Adrenalectomy is a surgical method used when tumours or hormone problems need removal.

Other options may include:

● Medication to try to control hormone levels

● Observation (“watch and wait”) for small, non-problematic masses

● Radiotherapy or chemotherapy if cancer has advanced

Your doctor will discuss the best option for you based on your condition, tumour size, symptoms, and overall health. Surgery is often recommended when the tumour causes symptoms or there is a risk of cancer.