Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
A laparoscopic adrenalectomy removes the adrenal gland, usually because there is a benign tumor that causes the gland to produce excess hormone. The location of the adrenal glands, a pair of organs sitting just above the kidneys, makes operative treatment difficult. Traditional surgical treatment involves an incision in the lower back or through the abdomen. However, laparoscopic treatment may be an option for certain patients. Using a small camera and various instruments introduced through tiny incisions, the tumor is identified, divided into pieces, placed in a small bag and withdrawn from the abdominal cavity. The average length of stay is two or three days in the hospital, compared to a week or more with the traditional, open technique.
