PROCEDURES


LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY

What is laparoscopic adrenalectomy?
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving removing a diseased or cancerous adrenal gland using small surgical equipment. The procedure can be done through 0.5-1 cm incisions over the abdomen. Adrenal glands are endocrine glands situated on top of the kidneys and are responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline, oestrogen, progesterone and the aldosterone and cortisone hormones. These hormones help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and response to stress, to name a few.

 
 

When is laparoscopic adrenalectomy done?


Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is primarily performed and indicated for tumours of the adrenal gland. However, it can also be performed for a variety of cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) medical conditions, such as:

  • Pheochromocytoma is a type of tumour that develops in the adrenal gland and secretes hormones produced by the adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma is normally noncancerous. The condition results in extremely high blood pressure.
  • Hyperaldosteronism is an endocrine disorder where one or both adrenal glands secrete too much of the aldosterone hormone. This results in your body losing too much potassium and retaining excess sodium, leading to increased water retention, blood volume and high blood pressure.

Metastasized cancer of the adrenal gland occurs when cancer originates from a separate region of the body and migrates to the adrenal glands. Breast, lung, kidney and colorectal cancer and melanoma are most likely to spread to the adrenal glands. The decision to perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy depends on the stage of primary cancer.


What does laparoscopic adrenalectomy entail?


This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Moodley will make about three to four small incisions over your abdomen and insert a laparoscope and other surgical tools through the incisions. A laparoscope is a tube with a camera and light attached, which helps guide the surgeon throughout the procedure.

The adrenal gland will be dissected from the surrounding tissue, and the diseased adrenal gland will be removed and placed inside a plastic sack. Then, the surgeon will take out the plastic through an incision. After the procedure, the abdomen will be stitched closed.

In some rare cases, in the event of Cushing’s disease, when the body secretes too much cortisol, both adrenal glands will need to be removed. As a result, you will be placed on steroid hormones which must be taken twice daily.

Fortunately, you can expect a quick recovery since the adrenalectomy is done minimally invasively. Additionally, you will need to take a few weeks off from work to recover at home.

FAQ

1What are the typical signs of adrenal cancer?
The most common signs of adrenal cancer include weight gain, difficulty falling asleep and a deep voice, abnormal hair growth on the face, lower back pain and abdominal pain.
2Do you need chemotherapy for adrenal cancer?
Chemotherapy does not work well for this type of cancer. However, chemotherapy is suggested when cancer has covered larger regions of the body.
3What will happen after I have my adrenal glands removed?
The other remaining adrenal gland is expected to take over when only a single gland is removed. Therefore, you will be placed on hormone replacement medication when both glands are surgically removed.
 
 
 

“It is the surgeon's duty to tranquillize the temper, to beget cheerfulness, and to impart confidence of recovery.”

ASTLEY COOPER