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