Adrenalectomy

Adrenalectomy is surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys and produce hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.

Adrenocortical carcinoma: A rare cancer arising in the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of an adrenal gland. Removing the affected gland is a principal treatment when this cancer is localized.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Adrenal gland removal through small incisions using a camera and long instruments. This minimally invasive approach is commonly used for appropriately selected tumors.
Adrenal gland: An endocrine organ above each kidney that produces hormones regulating stress, blood pressure, and metabolism. Adrenalectomy removes one or both of these hormone-producing organs.
Hydrocortisone: A medication identical to cortisol, used to replace glucocorticoid activity. It may be needed when surgery leaves insufficient cortisol production.
Pheochromocytoma: A usually adrenal tumor of chromaffin cells that can release excess catecholamines. Adrenalectomy can remove the source of dangerous hormone surges.
Robotic adrenalectomy: Adrenal gland removal using robotic instruments controlled by a surgeon. It is a minimally invasive variation that offers articulated instruments and magnified vision.
Cortisol: A steroid hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune activity, and the body’s response to stress. Loss of cortisol production after bilateral removal requires hormone replacement.
Fludrocortisone: A synthetic mineralocorticoid used to replace aldosterone-like activity. It is often part of lifelong replacement after bilateral adrenal removal.
Primary aldosteronism: A disorder in which the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, often causing hypertension and low potassium. A unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma may be treated by removing the affected gland.
Open adrenalectomy: Adrenal gland removal through a larger incision that provides direct access to the operative area. An open approach may be chosen for large or invasive tumors requiring careful en bloc removal.

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