Types of Adrenal Tumor Surgery

Surgery to remove the adrenal gland, or adrenalectomy, may be an open or minimally invasive procedure, using small incisions. Stanford offers a high level of skill and experience in both types of procedures.

Minimally invasive procedures, like laparoscopic adrenalectomy, may offer a faster recovery. But open surgery is sometimes needed, particularly for adrenal cancers. Your surgical and medical team will discuss your options with you so that you can make the best choice for your unique situation.

Retroperitoneal adrenalectomy
This innovative method of adrenal surgery involves small incisions along the flank (the side of the lower back, between the ribs and hip). The surgeon then uses a camera and small instruments to reach the adrenal gland.

Because this method avoids the abdominal organs, it may decrease the risk of complications, particularly in patients who have had previous abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Surgeons use laparoscopic adrenalectomy to treat smaller tumors, especially noncancerous tumors. This procedure uses a camera and tiny instruments inserted through several small incisions. It can offer faster recovery, with less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay after your surgery.

Robotic adrenalectomy
Surgeons may use surgical robotic equipment to precisely control a laparoscopic camera and tools. The procedure is also known as robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Very detailed, 3-D visualization guides the surgeon during the procedure.

Open adrenalectomy
In open adrenalectomy, your surgeon makes an incision to access your adrenal gland and the area surrounding it. The incision may be beneath your rib cage or vertically down the center of your abdomen. We typically recommend open adrenalectomy for large tumors or cancer cells that may have spread.

Multivisceral resection
When cancer has spread to other nearby organs in the abdominal cavity, people may need more extensive surgery to remove additional organs or parts of organs. This surgery is most common with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma that affects multiple organs. Stanford’s surgeons have particular expertise in these complex operations, called multivisceral resection.

After surgery
For most people, surgery is the only treatment for an adrenal tumor. Some people — particularly those with adrenocortical carcinoma — need chemotherapy or radiation treatment. After your surgery, your team will offer the support you need, including physical and occupational rehabilitation and support groups for you and your family.

Adrenal tumors can cause hypertension to rise to dangerous levels. Our Endocrine Tumor Program partners with the Stanford Hypertension Center to treat hypertension related to an adrenal tumor.