Adrenalectomy

Overview

Adrenalectomy

Enlarge

One adrenal gland sits above each of your kidneys. Your two adrenal glands produce various hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, blood sugar and other essential functions. If a noncancerous (benign) adrenal tumor or adrenal cancer is discovered, you may require an adrenalectomy (uh-dree-nul-EK-tuh-me) to remove the adrenal gland that has the tumor. If one adrenal gland is removed, the other takes over full function without the need for supplemental medications.

Your doctor can explain your treatment options and discuss whether an adrenalectomy is the most appropriate treatment for you.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for adrenalectomy

• Expertise and experience. Surgeons at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience in performing adrenalectomies. Mayo Clinic experts perform most adrenalectomies using minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic surgery.
• Multispecialty care. Mayo Clinic emphasizes a team approach to diagnosis and treatment. Your team may include experts in endocrinology, surgery and other areas, such as medical oncology and radiology, if needed.
• Latest research. Mayo Clinic doctors conduct research to develop diagnostic and management criteria for hormone-secreting tumors, including aldosteronoma, Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma and nonfunctioning adrenal adenoma.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for diabetes and endocrinology in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked high performing for diabetes and endocrinology by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart