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, performed by Dr. James “Butch” Rosser, M.D. may be appropriate for you. How is laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed? What are the benefits of laparoscopic adrenalectomy? What can I expect after surgery? With Dr. Rosser, a board certified surgeon and Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery (which includes laparoscopic surgery) at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, a laparoscopic adrenalectomy is as safe as “open” surgery. Appointment Contact Webmaster with questions or comments
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