Adrenal Surgery
Adrenal surgery (adrenalectomy) is recommended for selected adrenal conditions where there is hormone overproduction, concern for cancer, or imaging features that suggest malignancy.
Most patients undergoing adrenal surgery (adrenalectomy) with Dr Carr-Boyd can expect a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which is now the standard approach for the majority of adrenal conditions. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery uses small incisions, resulting in less pain, reduced scarring, and a faster recovery compared with open surgery. Patients typically stay in hospital for 1–2 nights, resume a normal diet quickly, and are encouraged to mobilise early after surgery to support recovery.
​
Following adrenalectomy, close monitoring of blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolytes is often required, particularly when surgery is performed for hormone-producing adrenal tumours such as pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism, or cortisol-producing tumours. Temporary hormone replacement or medication adjustments may be needed, depending on the type of excess hormone previously produced. Shared care with your endocrinologist is very important around the time of surgery.
​
In selected cases—most commonly adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) or tumours with suspected local invasion—open adrenal surgery is required to ensure complete and safe tumour removal. Rarely, this may involve partial resection of adjacent organs such as the liver, pancreas, or spleen.