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Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
What is a laparoscopic Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy ?
Many of the benign adrenal tumors secrete hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine and can result in high blood pressure, facial flushing, weight gain, headaches, palpitations as well as other symptoms. Adrenal cancer, although rare, can grow to a large size. Most benign and malignant adrenal tumors can be removed laparoscopically.
Treatment
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is performed under a general anesthetic. The typical length of the operation is 3-4 hours. The surgery is performed through 3 small (1cm) incisions made in the abdomen. A telescope and small instruments are inserted into the abdomen through these keyhole incisions, which allow the surgeon to completely free and dissect the diseased adrenal gland without having to place his hands into the abdomen. The adrenal gland is then placed within a plastic sack and removed intact through an extension of one of the existing incision sites.
Advantages
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive technique, which provides patients with less discomfort and equivalent results when compared to the larger incision required with traditional open surgery. When compared to conventional open surgery, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has resulted in significantly less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work and daily activities, a more favorable cosmetic result and outcomes identical to that of open surgery.