Adrenalectomy (Removal of Adrenal Gland)

The condition

The adrenal gland is a small (1-2 inches) triangular organ located atop each kidney. The gland secretes almost 40 different hormones into the bloodstream. Secreted hormones affect everything from adrenaline level and response to stress to how calories are used and stored.

The procedure

Adrenal gland removal should be considered for overproduction of a hormone or a tumor.  Hormone overproduction may occur to any of the hormones but the most common is the pheochromocytoma. This involves the increased secretion of epinephrine usually resulting in elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Benign tumors that do not secrete hormones but are larger than 3-6 cm require removal because 20% of tumors of this size may have cancer. Adrenalectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can be done open or laparoscopically.  For the laparoscopic approach 3-4 incisions approximately 1cm each are used to place a camera and 2-3 working ports. The specimen is placed in a plastic bag and removed after one of the ports is enlarged.  The operation is performed in approximately 90 minutes.

Risks

• Bleeding
• Injury to other organs (liver, duodenum, colon, kidney, spleen, diaphragm, pancreas)

Medical negligence

The above mentioned risks and complications are known to happen with adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal gland) and such complications do not necessarily constitute deviation from the medical standard of care.  The following examples however may be considered as medical negligence.

• Injury to vital structures such as the inferior vena cava can result in major bleeding and death.
• Resection of other tissue, such as the tail of the pancreas or fat, instead of the adrenal gland.