Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

When performing minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon creates small incisions in your abdomen or back, where a laparoscope is inserted. A laparoscope is a narrow tool with a tiny camera at its tip that allows your doctor to view and access the adrenal glands. Tiny surgical tools, also passed through the small incisions, are used by the surgeon to remove the adrenal gland containing the tumor, or a portion of the gland, if possible.

There are several minimally invasive procedures to remove cancerous or diseased adrenal glands. Each option depends on the size and location of the tumor, any history of prior abdominal surgery, and the unique structure of your body. Duke surgeons are trained in the latest surgical techniques, including: 

• Laparoscopic transabdominal: You lie on your side with feet slightly flexed to allow for better access to your abdominal organs.
• Posterior laparoscopic retroperitoneal: This approach is performed while you are on your stomach. It is ideal for people who have had previous abdominal surgery.
• Robotic: Surgeons use a robot arm to remove one or both adrenal glands. The robotic technology improves the angles and reach of the surgical procedure. It is performed while you lie on your side.

If you are not a candidate for minimally invasive adrenalectomy, we may recommend open surgery, which requires larger abdominal incisions. This is typically recommended for people with very large adrenal tumors that cannot be removed through small incisions, or when tumors are beginning to compress other organs.

If you receive laparoscopic or robotic surgery, you’ll stay at the hospital for at least one night before your discharge. There may be some discomfort during recovery, which typically takes about two weeks. At that point, you may slowly return to normal activities. If you undergo open surgery, you should expect to remain in the hospital for monitoring for up to four days. Recover following open surgery takes about six weeks.