Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

What is a laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

Laparoscopic (keyhole) excision of the adrenal gland.

Why might I need a laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

  • Adrenal nodule

  • Primary hyperaldosteronism

  • Conn’s syndrome

  • Cushing’s syndrome

  • Subclinical Cushing’s

  • Autonomous cortisol production

  • Phaeochromocytoma

  • Indeterminate adrenal nodule

  • Adrenal metastasis

Condition Details

What does a laparoscopic adrenalectomy involve?

  • General anaesthetic

  • 3-4 small incisions under the lower border of the ribs

  • Removal of the adrenal gland

  • Dissolvable sutures under the skin

  • Skin dressing

How long is the recovery after laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

  • Overnight stay in hospital

  • No dietary restrictions

  • Local anaesthetic in the port sites, simple analgesia is usually all that is required

  • Blood tests on the morning after surgery

  • Depending on the indication for surgery may require steroid replacement with tablet hydrocortisone post operatively until the function of the remaining adrenal gland can be tested by performing a short synacthen test

  • No heavy lifting for 6 weeks post operatively

What are the risks of laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Scar

  • Port site hernia

  • Damage to nearby structures (bowel, spleen, pancreas, kidney, diaphragm, liver, major blood vessels)

  • Non-cure

  • Acute adrenal insufficiency/ Addisonian crisis