What are the Adrenal Glands?
Why would an Adrenalectomy be performed?
The adrenal cortex and medulla, which collectively make
up the adrenal glands, lie on top of the kidneys. The
adrenal cortex, the larger of the two parts and located
on the outer part of the adrenal gland, produces many
hormones vital to maintaining many of the body’s functions.
Two of the adrenal cortex’s major hormones which control
metabolic activity include glucocorticoids (cortisol)
and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). These hormones allow
the body to adapt to many environmental changes including
stress (both physical and emotional), change in temperature,
exercise, or excitement.
The adrenal medulla, the inner portion of the adrenal
gland, releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine
(sometimes called “adrenaline” and “noradrenaline,” respectively).
While these stimulants have many important and useful
functions, there exists a condition, Pheochromocytoma,
in which a tumor of the adrenal medulla causes with consequences
such as hypertension. While Pheochromocytoma is most common
in young people, the vast majority of these tumors are
benign.
When a physician diagnoses a problem with the adrenal
gland, such as a tumor or malignancy, an adrenalectomy
(removal of one or both adrenal glands) may be performed
in an effort to return adrenal secretions to a more-normal
level. If your physician recommends an adrenalectomy,
a procedure called laparoscopic adrenalectomy, may be
appropriate for you.
How is Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
performed?
An adrenalectomy is a procedure in which one, both or
parts of the adrenal glands are removed surgically. Unilateral
adrenalectomy refers to the removal of one or parts of
these glands and bilateral adrenalectomy refers to an
adrenalectomy in which both glands are wholly or partially
removed. In laparoscopic adrenalectomy, surgeons use a
device called a laparoscope, a thin instrument containing
a tiny video camera, smaller than a blueberry, on the
tip. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision
in the fleshy area between the ribs and hip (the “flank”).
The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to
allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area.
Using the laparoscope’s video camera, the surgeon is able
to view the entire operative site on a monitor in the
operating room. To allow your surgeon a better view of
the adrenal gland area, a gas (carbon dioxide) is inserted
into the operative area. The surgeon then performs the
adrenalectomy using specialized surgical instruments which
are inserted into two or three small incisions near the
operative site. Because these incisions are so small,
they can be closed with a few stitches and surgical tape
and may become completely or nearly invisible a few months
after surgery.
Why Laparoscopic?
___Three or four tiny
scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
___Less risk of hernia
development.
__
Less chronic pain resulting from nerve damage.
___Reduced postoperative
pain.
___Shorter hospital stay.
___Shorter recovery time.
What can I expect after surgery?
Each patient’s response to laparoscopic surgery is unique,
and Dr. Rosser provides each of his patient’s with instructions
specific to their procedure. For most patients, recovery
time for the laparoscopic procedure can be days or weeks
shorter than the “open” method. Many people feel better
within days, although patients may not return to their
full pre-operative condition for a few weeks.
To make
an appointment with Dr. Rosser, please call 212-420-4337.
