Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal glands are a pair of important endocrine organs responsible for secreting essential hormones like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Tumors of adrenal gland may be functioning or non-functioning, depending on their ability to produce hormones. They may be identified incidentally (incidentalomas) or during a medical work up. Most functioning tumors, and large non-functioning tumors require surgery for removal. Incidence of cancer of the adrenal gland increases as the tumor size exceeds 5 cm.

Because adrenal glands are positioned deep within the body, surgery of the adrenal gland would typically require a large incision. Using a laparoscopic approach, most tumors of the adrenal gland can be removed through small incisions. Most patients can expect to leave the hospital within 24 hours and resume daily activities within 4-7 days.