Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Surgery

What are Adrenal glands?

Adrenal (or Suprarenal) glands are thumb shaped glands situated atop each kidney. They are responsible for secreting steroids, adrenaline and nor adrenaline and a small quantity of sex hormones.

What are the diseases of adrenal gland?

Diseases of the adrenal gland are rare and they being cancer are rarer. Tumors or cysts found incidentally during a scan for some other cause is usually how an adrenal disease is registered.

What are the symptoms of adrenal gland tumours?

While most tumours are silent, hormone producing tumours can present with variety of symptoms.

• Pheochromocytoma : rise in blood pressure, headaches, sweating, palpitations etc
• Low potassium levels due to aldosterone producing tumours causing fatigue and increased urination.
• Steroid producing tumours cause obesity, raised sugar levels and blood pressure, menstrual problems etc

Do all adrenal tumours require removal?

No. Surgical removal is indicated only if :

• Tumour size more than 4-5 cm
• Hormone producing tumours
• Suspicion of malignancy

Is such a surgery possible by laparoscopy?

Certainly. Laparoscopy not only defines the anatomy better but also increases the precision of the surgery and thereby makes it safer. Other well known and popular advantages of Laparoscopic surgery apply too.