Adrenal Gland Surgery
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, removal of the gland through small incisions, is used in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant adrenal tumours. The operation aims to remove abnormal tissue, normalise hormone secretion and maintain endocrine stability.
- Incisions
- 3 or 4 small incisions
- Return to work
- 7 to 10 days
What is laparoscopic adrenalectomy?
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy removes the adrenal gland through small incisions using a camera and surgical instruments. It is a minimally invasive technique that reduces the extent of surgical intervention in the tissues.
The aim of treatment is to remove tumour tissue and restore hormonal balance in hormone-secreting tumours. In cases of phaeochromocytoma and Conn's syndrome, the surgical plan is also based on scientific evidence and tailored to the patient's endocrine status.
Indications for surgery
Hormone-secreting adrenal tumours
Phaeochromocytoma and Conn's syndrome
Adrenal carcinoma, a malignant tumour of the adrenal gland
Metastatic or growing masses
Masses suspected to be malignant
Adrenal tumours larger than 4 centimetres
Assessment and the operation
Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hormone tests are used to assess the tumour accurately. The surgical plan takes account of these findings and hormonal status.
During laparoscopic surgery, a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through 3 or 4 small incisions, and the adrenal gland is removed. Open surgery may be used for large masses.
Surgery is the main treatment for adrenal tumours that secrete hormones, are larger than 4 centimetres or are suspected to be malignant.
Benefits of the laparoscopic technique
Reduced tissue trauma and pain
Shorter hospital stay
A cosmetic result with small incisions and less noticeable scars
Shorter recovery time
Early return to physical activity
Recovery and follow-up after surgery
You begin getting up and moving in the first few days after surgery. Laparoscopy reduces tissue damage and pain, making it easier to return to physical activity.
Monitoring continues during recovery to check that hormone levels remain stable. Follow-up assessment uses hormone tests and imaging.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the scars be very noticeable after surgery?
Scars are less noticeable after laparoscopy. This is one of the cosmetic benefits of surgery through small incisions.
Are adrenal tumours always removed laparoscopically?
Open surgery may be used for large masses. The surgical plan takes account of CT, MRI and hormone test results.
Why do I need hormone tests after the tumour is removed?
For hormone-secreting tumours, one aim of surgery is to restore hormonal balance. Follow-up tests allow hormone levels to be monitored for stability.
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- TAMIS: Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery
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- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
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