Adrenal gland Surgery

The adrenal gland plays an important role in regulating many physiological functions in the body. Among these functions; regulation of the stress response, electrolyte balance, regulation of glucose metabolism and control of blood pressure. Adrenal gland cancer is a rare tumor. It usually occurs in the parts of the adrenal glands that produce hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. This cancer occurs in older people and often in men. Adrenal gland surgery, on the other hand, includes surgical applications for the removal of cancerous or benign tumors in the adrenal glands.

In the article, detailed explanations about adrenal gland cancer and surgery will be made under the following headings:

• What is Adrenal gland Cancer?
• How is Adrenal gland cancer diagnosed?
• What is Adrenal gland surgery?
• What are the risks of Adrenal gland Surgery?

What is Adernal Gland Cancer?

The adrenal gland is part of the adrenal glands, of which there are two in the body. It produces hormones such as cortisol, mineralocorticoid, androgen and estrogen. These hormones control many physiological functions in the body. Adrenal gland cancer is cancer that occurs in the tissue of the adrenal gland. It is a rare cancer and is usually observed in advanced ages when diagnosed. Symptoms can often be confused with other tumors. Its symptoms include:

•  Excessive weight gain or weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Sudden changes in blood pressure
• Sudden changes in blood sugar level
• Color changes in the skin
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Fluid accumulated in the abdomen

How is adrenal gland cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis of adrenal gland cancer is a process to determine that a person has adrenal gland cancer. Among these methods; There are methods such as physical examination, laboratory tests, radiological examinations and biopsy. First, the doctor examines the physical changes in the patient's body and collects information about these changes. He then takes the patient's blood and urine samples and examines the abnormalities in these samples. These tests will show hormone levels and certain chemical changes occurring in the body. Finally, it examines the presence of cancer, its location and size by applying radiological examinations.

What is Adrenal Gland Surgery?

Adrenal gland surgery refers to the surgical removal of the adrenal glands in your body. This surgery can be performed for many different reasons and different methods can be used in the operation. For example, laparoscopic surgery may be used in some cases. Laparoscopic surgery allows the glands to be removed by entering through small holes. In other cases, open surgery can be used. This is the method of removing the glands by making a larger incision. The surgical methods used in both cases are determined by your doctor to determine the most suitable one for you. These methods are:

Adrenalectomy

It is an operation in which all of the adrenal glands are surgically removed. This method is especially used in the treatment of large or dangerous tumors. However, the operation takes more time and the healing process may take longer.

Abdominal Surgery

This method concerns the liver, gallbladder, and small intestines, as well as the kidneys and glands, and deals with the health status of these organs.

Laparoscopic adrenal Surgery

This method is an operation performed by the surgeon using fine needles and cameras. It provides three-dimensional examination and evaluation of the glands.

Open adrenal surgery

This method is done by making a larger incision using classical surgical techniques. If this method is preferred, the healing process may take longer and there is a risk of more pain and hematoma formation.

Laparoskopik robotik cerrahisi

It is an advanced version of laparoscopic surgery. Thanks to this method, a more accurate and sensitive surgery can be performed by making a smaller incision and using a robotic equipment. The healing process can be faster.

What are the Risks of Adrenal Gland Surgery?

There are some risks depending on the procedure performed in adrenal gland surgery. As with any surgery, these risks may develop due to anesthesia-related problems, bleeding and infections. Depending on the point where the surgical procedure takes place, if all of the adrenal glands are removed, the body will not be able to secrete enough cortisol on its own, and this may cause cortical insufficiency. This condition is treatable, but the treatment process can take a long time.

There is a risk of nerve damage during surgery of the adrenal glands. However, this risk is low in the surgical procedure performed by an experienced surgeon. The healing process may vary depending on the size of the surgical procedure. Major surgical procedures may take longer to heal.