



Partial (Cortical-Sparing) AdrenalectomyĬertain types of adrenal tumors can be removed safely without removing the entire adrenal gland. Patients having open adrenalectomy require a hospital stay of about four or five days and then need about four to six weeks to recover at home. Most adrenal cancers require this form of surgery, which requires a larger incision, because they must be completely removed in one piece to prevent spreading the disease throughout the abdomen. Open AdrenalectomyĪn open adrenalectomy is surgery using an incision in the abdomen. Robotic surgery’s approach, recovery and results are similar to those of minimally invasive laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy, commonly referred to as robotic adrenalectomy, is a type of minimally invasive surgery during which the surgeon controls small instruments hooked onto robotic arms. The surgery, associated pain and recovery are similar to those for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Since the adrenal gland and kidney are in the back part of the abdomen - called the retroperitoneum - this approach is direct and does not encounter the other organs in the abdomen. This type of minimally invasive adrenalectomy is performed through the back rather than through the abdomen. Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy (PRA) They often stay overnight in the hospital, then recover at home for one to three weeks until returning to full function. Most patients recover from laparoscopic adrenalectomy quickly. 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. With this less invasive approach to adrenalectomy, patients report less pain after surgery and faster recovery times. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is performed under general anesthesia and usually is completed in one to two hours. The adrenal gland is placed in a plastic sack and removed intact through one of the incisions. 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 surgery is performed through three to four small (0.5–1 centimeter incisions made in the abdomen. Laparoscopic AdrenalectomyĪ laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and tools to access the adrenal gland. You and your surgeon will discuss which type of surgery is best for you. There are several methods for surgical removal of an adrenal gland.
