Types of Adrenal Cancer Surgery

Adrenal cancer is a rare but serious condition that often requires timely diagnosis and expert surgical intervention. Surgery remains the primary and most effective treatment for adrenal tumors, especially when the cancer is detected early. At Action Cancer Hospital, highly skilled specialists in Endocrine Surgery offer personalized and advanced procedures to ensure the best clinical outcomes.

This comprehensive guide explains the types of adrenal cancer surgery, how they are performed, who needs them, and what patients can expect before and after the procedure.

Understanding the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are small, triangular glands located above each kidney. They produce essential hormones such as:

• Cortisol

• Aldosterone

• Adrenaline and noradrenaline

• Sex hormones (androgens)

A tumor in these glands can disturb hormone production, leading to symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue, mood swings, and electrolyte imbalances. Surgery helps remove the tumor and restore normal endocrine function.

Why Surgery Is the Primary Treatment for Adrenal Cancer

Unlike many other cancers, adrenal tumors don’t always respond well to chemotherapy or radiation. Therefore, complete surgical removal is the gold-standard treatment whenever possible.

Endocrine surgeons at Action Cancer Hospital use advanced, minimally invasive and open surgical techniques based on:

• Tumor size

• Location

• Whether the tumor is functioning (producing hormones)

• Spread to nearby organs

• Patient’s overall health

The goal is to remove the tumor completely and prevent recurrence.

⭐ Major Types of Adrenal Cancer Surgery

Here are the most common and effective surgical options for adrenal cancer:

1. Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (Minimally Invasive Surgery)

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is one of the most widely preferred options for small to medium-sized adrenal tumors that have not spread beyond the gland.

How it Works

• Surgeons make small incisions in the abdomen.

• A laparoscope (tiny camera) guides the procedure on a screen.

• Specialized instruments are used to remove the adrenal gland or tumor.

Benefits

• Minimal blood loss

• Less pain

• Faster recovery

• Shorter hospital stay

• Lower risk of complications

Who Is It For?

• Tumors < 6 cm

• Non-invasive tumors

• Patients who are good candidates for minimally invasive surgery

Experts in Endocrine Surgery at Action Cancer Hospital perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy with high precision, ensuring safety and optimal outcomes.

2. Robotic-Assisted Adrenalectomy

Robotic surgery is an advanced version of laparoscopic surgery, offering greater precision, flexibility, and enhanced visualization.

How It Works

• The surgeon controls robotic arms through a console.

• 3D high-definition imaging provides superior tumor visibility.

• The robotic system ensures highly precise removal of adrenal tumors.

Benefits

• Better precision in complex cases

• Minimal scarring

• Reduced postoperative pain

• Faster healing

• Ideal for deep or hard-to-access tumors

Who Is It For?

• Tumors in difficult anatomical positions

• Obese patients

• Complex adrenal tumors requiring delicate handling

Action Cancer Hospital’s Endocrine Surgery unit is equipped with modern robotic technology to offer safer, more accurate adrenal cancer treatment.

3. Open Adrenalectomy

Open adrenalectomy is the traditional surgical approach, recommended for large tumors (>6 cm), invasive tumors, or cancer that may have spread to surrounding structures.

How It Works

• A larger incision is made in the abdomen, flank, or back.

• The surgeon removes the adrenal gland along with affected tissues or lymph nodes.

Benefits

• Best approach for large or aggressive adrenal cancers

• Allows complete removal of nearby cancerous tissue

• Offers better control in complicated cases

Who Is It For?

• Large tumors

• Suspected adrenal carcinoma

• Tumors that have spread into blood vessels or nearby organs

Though the recovery time is longer, open surgery is sometimes the only safe and effective method to prevent cancer progression.

4. Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy (PRA)

This is a minimally invasive technique performed through the back rather than the abdomen.

How It Works

• Small incisions are made in the back.

• Instruments enter directly into the space around the adrenal gland.

Benefits

• No need to operate through the abdominal cavity

• Faster recovery

• Lower risk of abdominal complications

• Excellent for patients with previous abdominal surgeries

Who Is It For?

• Small benign or low-risk tumors

• Patients needing quicker recovery

• Individuals with abdominal scarring from past surgeries

Few centers specialize in PRA, but advanced Endocrine Surgery teams like those at Action Cancer Hospital offer this procedure with excellent success rates.

5. En Bloc Resection (Advanced Adrenal Cancer Surgery)

This surgery is needed for advanced adrenal cancer that has spread to nearby organs like:

• Kidney

• Liver

• Diaphragm

• Spleen

• Lymph nodes

How It Works

• The adrenal tumor and nearby affected tissues are removed in a single block.

• Sometimes involves multi-organ resection.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of leaving behind cancerous cells

• Improves survival outcomes in advanced cases

Who Is It For?

• Patients with Stage II or Stage III adrenal cancer

• Cancers invading nearby organs or tissues

This procedure requires a team of specialists including endocrine surgeons, oncologists, and vascular surgeons—expertise available at Action Cancer Hospital.

Preparing for Adrenal Cancer Surgery

Before the procedure, patients undergo:

1. Imaging Tests

• CT scan

• MRI

• PET-CT

• Ultrasound

2. Hormonal Evaluation

To check hormone-secreting tumors that may cause:

• High cortisol (Cushing’s syndrome)

• High aldosterone (Conn’s syndrome)

• Excess adrenaline (pheochromocytoma)

3. Pre-Surgery Medication

Patients with pheochromocytoma may need blood pressure–controlling medicines.

4. General Health Preparation

• Blood tests

• Cardiac evaluation

• Anesthesia review

The Endocrine Surgery team at Action Cancer Hospital ensures thorough evaluation for safe surgery.

Recovery After Adrenal Cancer Surgery

Recovery depends on the type of surgery:

After Minimally Invasive or Robotic Surgery

• Short hospital stay (1–3 days)

• Return to routine life within 2 weeks

• Mild discomfort

After Open Adrenalectomy

• Longer hospital stay (5–7 days)

• Recovery period of 4–6 weeks

• Pain management and progressive mobility

Follow-Up Care

• Regular hormone monitoring

• Imaging scans to check for recurrence

• Medications if one adrenal gland is removed and the other is underactive

Action Cancer Hospital provides comprehensive post-surgery care, ensuring patients recover safely and gradually return to normal life.

Why Choose Action Cancer Hospital for Adrenal Cancer Surgery?

• Expertise in advanced Endocrine Surgery

• Experienced oncologists and endocrine surgeons

• State-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic equipment

• Holistic care from diagnosis to recovery

• Personalized treatment plans

• Compassionate patient support

Action Cancer Hospital is dedicated to offering safe, effective, and world-class adrenal cancer treatment backed by advanced surgical technology.

Final Thoughts

Adrenal cancer surgery plays a crucial role in effective treatment and long-term survival. With advancements in minimally invasive, robotic, and open surgical techniques, most patients can expect excellent outcomes. Choosing an experienced center like Action Cancer Hospital ensures access to advanced Endocrine Surgery, expert care, and a supportive recovery environment.

If you or a loved one is facing adrenal cancer, understanding the available surgical options can empower you to make informed decisions and take confident steps toward healing.