About Adrenalectomy
Key Highlights
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Effectively treats hormone-producing tumors and adrenal cancers.Can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for faster recovery.Resolves debilitating symptoms caused by hormonal excess, such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and muscle weakness.Prevents the potential spread of malignant adrenal tumors to other organs.Performed by specialized endocrinologists or endocrine surgeons with expertise in glandular disorders.
Who is this surgery for?
- Adrenal tumors (adenomas, carcinomas, or metastases from other cancers).
- Cushing's syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor overproducing cortisol.
- Primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) due to an aldosterone-producing adenoma.
- Pheochromocytoma, a tumor that causes excessive adrenaline production.
- Large adrenal tumors (typically >4-6 cm) or tumors showing suspicious features on imaging.
- Adrenal hyperplasia (overgrowth) causing significant hormone overproduction.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive hormonal blood tests and urine collections to assess gland function.
- Imaging studies like CT or MRI scans to precisely locate and characterize the adrenal mass.
- Medication adjustments, especially for pheochromocytoma, to control blood pressure pre-surgery.
- Pre-operative evaluation including ECG, chest X-ray, and blood work to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Discussion with the anesthesiologist and surgical team about the procedure and post-op plans.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis).
- Damage to nearby organs such as the spleen, pancreas, liver, or intestines.
- Injury to major blood vessels near the adrenal gland.
- Anesthesia-related complications.
- Post-surgical adrenal insufficiency, requiring temporary or permanent hormone replacement therapy.
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or pleural effusion, especially with left-sided adrenalectomy.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 1-3 days for laparoscopic surgery and longer for open procedures.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with prescribed medications.
- Gradual resumption of light activities; heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor hormone levels and surgical healing.
- If both glands are removed, lifelong hormone replacement therapy (cortisol and sometimes aldosterone) is mandatory.
- Dietary adjustments may be recommended, especially for managing blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering adrenalectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with endocrinology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform adrenalectomy. MediFyr helps you compare endocrinologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for adrenalectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Ishaan Roy, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Ishaan Roy, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been the calm one in his friend group. Over the past year, however, he felt like a different person. He was plagued by severe, unpredictable panic attacks, heart palpitations, and debilitating headaches. His blood pressure was dangerously high for his age. After months of confusion and anxiety, fearing a mental health crisis, an endocrinologist discovered the root cause: a small, benign tumor called a pheochromocytoma on his left adrenal gland. The doctor explained that the tumor was flooding his body with stress hormones, causing his symptoms. The recommended solution was a laparoscopic adrenalectomy to remove the gland. Ishaan was terrified of surgery but desperate for relief. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. In recovery, the most profound change was immediate: a deep, unfamiliar sense of calm. His blood pressure normalized without medication. The emotional whiplash was significant, from feeling betrayed by his own body to immense gratitude. He is now rediscovering his true, steady self, free from the chemical storm that hijacked his life.
Endocrinologists for Adrenalectomy
Explore experienced endocrinologists who regularly perform adrenalectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 5 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 50 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 3 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 27 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata