Lap Adrenalectomy

An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal gland if it is cancerous and/or producing too much hormone. The adrenalectomy is typically performed through small incisions (minimally invasive) although it also may be performed as an open surgery.

Adrenal Gland Removal

There are several methods for surgical removal of an adrenal gland. You and your surgeon will discuss which type of surgery is best for you.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

A laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and tools to access the adrenal gland. The surgery is performed through three to four small (0.5–1 centimeter incisions made in the abdomen. A telescope and small instruments are inserted into the abdomen through these small incisions, which allow the surgeon to completely remove the diseased adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is placed in a plastic sack and removed intact through one of the incisions.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is performed under general anesthesia and usually is completed in one to two hours.

With this less invasive approach to adrenalectomy, patients report less pain after surgery and faster recovery times. When compared to conventional open surgery adrenalectomy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has resulted in significantly less pain after surgery, a shorter hospital stays, earlier return to work and daily activities, more favorable cosmetic results and outcomes identical to those of open surgery for noncancerous (benign) tumors.