The adrenal glands are walnut sized organs that sit on top of the kidneys in the abdomen. They make multiple types of hormones that regulate the body; these hormones include cortisol, epinephrine, and aldosterone, among others.
Tumors of the adrenal glands need to be watched for growth as well as for function, ensuring that they are not overproducing hormones or develop into cancer. Treatment of tumors of the adrenal glands is through either minimally invasive, or open surgery.
Adrenal Treatments
Adrenalectomy
Most adrenal gland tumors are small enough to be removed through a minimally invasive approach either laparoscopically or roboticaly. This entails 5 small incisions the size of a pen, filling the abdomen with air to see, and using long narrow instruments and cameras. Abdominal organs are moved out of the way and the adrenal gland is removed from atop the kidney. If the tumor is very large a standard open incision may be needed.