What is Adrenal Tumor Surgery?
Adrenal tumor surgery, also known as adrenalectomy, is the removal of one or both adrenal glands to treat tumors that form above the kidneys.
These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and some can produce excess hormones that affect blood pressure, metabolism, and overall health.
The surgery aims to remove the tumor safely, normalize hormone levels, and prevent long-term complications.
Why is Adrenal Tumor Surgery Needed?
Surgery is recommended for:
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Functional tumors producing excess hormones
(Cortisol, Aldosterone, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline) -
Pheochromocytoma (adrenal nerve cell tumor)
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Cushing’s syndrome caused by adrenal overactivity
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Aldosterone-producing adenoma (Conn syndrome)
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Adrenocortical carcinoma (malignant tumor)
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Large adrenal masses (usually > 4–5 cm)
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Tumors showing suspicious growth or imaging characteristics
Many adrenal tumors cannot be treated with medication alone — surgery offers the most definitive cure.
Types of Adrenal Tumor Surgery
At Büyük Anadolu Hospital, our surgeons perform:
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
Minimally invasive, small incisions, faster recovery.
Robotic-Assisted Adrenalectomy
High precision, ideal for complex or bilateral cases.
Open Adrenalectomy
Used for very large or invasive tumors.
Unilateral or Bilateral Removal
Depending on whether the tumor affects one or both adrenal glands.
How is Adrenal Tumor Surgery Performed?
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Performed under general anesthesia
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Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
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Minimally invasive techniques used whenever possible
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Tumor and surrounding fat tissue are gently removed
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Special medications may be given before surgery for pheochromocytoma to control blood pressure
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Hospital stay: 2–4 days
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Hormone levels are monitored closely after surgery
Possible Risks & Our Preventive Measures
| Possible Risks | Our Preventive Measures |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Minimally invasive technique & vessel-sealing tools |
| Hormonal imbalance | Endocrinology consultation & hormone monitoring |
| Blood pressure fluctuations | Preoperative medication & real-time monitoring |
| Infection | Sterile technique & prophylactic antibiotics |
| Injury to nearby organs | High-definition imaging & precision surgical tools |
| Adrenal insufficiency | Careful hormone replacement & follow-up care |
Why Choose Büyük Anadolu Hospital for Adrenal Tumor Surgery?
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Expert urologic and endocrine surgeons with extensive adrenal surgery experience
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Full capability for laparoscopic and robotic adrenalectomy
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Advanced hormonal testing, radiology, and anesthesia management
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Multidisciplinary approach: endocrinology, oncology, radiology
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Personalized recovery protocol for international patients
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Modern surgical suites and 24/7 medical monitoring
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More affordable compared to the UK, Europe, and the US with the same care quality
Adrenal Tumor Surgery FAQ
If one adrenal gland is removed, usually not. Bilateral removal requires lifelong hormone therapy.
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks.
No. Many are benign but still require removal due to hormone overproduction.
Yes. It is the preferred method for most tumors due to faster healing and minimal pain.