Published with the inputs from Dr Shikhil P, Endocrine Surgeon, Baby Memorial Hospitals - Kozhikode

Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands, small triangular glands located above each kidney. These glands produce vital hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response. The surgery is usually performed to treat adrenal tumors, hormone-producing growths, or, rarely, adrenal cancer. When performed by an Endocrine Surgeon, adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment with excellent long-term outcomes.

What is an Adrenalectomy, and why is it performed?

Adrenalectomy involves removing an adrenal gland that is producing excess hormones or contains a tumor. It helps restore normal hormone levels and prevents complications such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease.

Common conditions requiring adrenalectomy include:

• Pheochromocytoma (tumor producing excess adrenaline/noradrenaline)
• Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol production)
• Conn’s syndrome / Primary hyperaldosteronism (excess aldosterone leading to resistant hypertension and low potassium)
• Adrenal incidentaloma (tumor discovered incidentally, >4 cm or hormonally active)
• Adrenocortical carcinoma (rare adrenal cancer)
• Metastatic deposits to the adrenal gland

How is an Adrenalectomy performed?

Most adrenal surgeries today are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which result in faster recovery and less pain:

1. Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Performed through 3–4 small incisions using a camera and fine instruments. The preferred approach for most benign or moderate-sized tumors.

2. Robotic-Assisted Adrenalectomy: Offers enhanced 3D vision, precision, and control, especially useful for complex or obese patients.

3. Open Adrenalectomy: Required for large, invasive, or malignant tumors. Allows direct access to nearby structures for complete tumor removal. All procedures are performed under general anesthesia and typically take 1–3 hours.

Who needs an Adrenalectomy?

Your doctor may recommend adrenalectomy if:

• Imaging shows a hormonally active or enlarging adrenal mass
• There is uncontrolled blood pressure, recurrent headaches, or palpitations from hormone overproduction
• A tumor appears malignant or Malignant

What are the benefits of Adrenalectomy?

• Correction of hormone imbalance
• Control of blood pressure and blood sugar
• Improvement in fatigue, weight gain, and mood symptoms
• Prevention of cardiovascular and renal complications
• Excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes with laparoscopic/robotic surgery

What are the possible risks or complications of Adrenalectomy?

Complications are rare, especially when surgery is done by a trained Endocrine Surgeon. They may include:

• Bleeding or infection
• Injury to nearby organs (kidney, pancreas, spleen)
• Temporary hormonal imbalance
• Low blood pressure or electrolyte disturbances (especially after bilateral surgery)

If both glands are removed, lifelong steroid replacement is necessary to maintain hormonal balance.

What is the recovery time after Adrenalectomy?

• Hospital stay: 1–3 days (minimally invasive); 5–7 days (open surgery)
• Pain: Usually mild and well controlled with oral analgesics
• Return to routine: Within 2–4 weeks for laparoscopic/robotic cases
• Follow-up: Regular hormone and blood pressure monitoring

Most patients experience an excellent recovery and significant improvement in quality of life.

Can I live a normal life after Adrenalectomy?

Yes. Most patients live a normal, healthy life after the surgery.  If only one gland is removed, the remaining gland compensates fully. If both glands are removed, lifelong hormone replacement (hydrocortisone ± fludrocortisone) is essential. Routine endocrinology follow-up ensures hormone balance and well-being.

Connect with Our Experts Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with an adrenal tumor or a hormone-related condition, our endocrine surgery team at Baby Memorial Hospitals offers expert evaluation and advanced surgical care.

📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to speak with our specialists about Adrenalectomy and treatment options.