Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy in Birmingham, AL

What are Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They play a vital role in the body by producing several essential hormones. The hormones produced by the adrenal glands help the body respond to stress, regulate metabolism, maintain blood pressure, and balance fluid and electrolytes. They consist of two main parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, each of which produces different types of hormones.

Why Remove an Adrenal Gland?

There are usually three main reasons to remove an adrenal gland.

1. An adrenal tumor is high-risk for adrenal cancer
2. There is metastatic cancer to the adrenal gland from another part of the body.
3. An adrenal gland is producing too much of any one of its hormones

The common conditions caused by overproduction of adrenal hormones include Cushing’s syndrome (cortisol), pheochromocytoma (adrenaline), and aldosteronoma (aldosterone).

What are Common Signs of an Adrenal Problem?

Common signs of an adrenal problem can include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Uncontrolled abdominal weight gain
2. Easy bruising
3. Anxiety
4. Difficulty sleeping
5. Difficult to control blood sugar
6. Irregular menstrual cycles
7. Uncontrolled blood pressure
8. Flushing
9. Sweating
10. Heart palpitations
11. Headaches
12. Low potassium levels

What is Adrenalectomy?

Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removal of the diseased adrenal gland, which is located above the kidneys. Rarely do both adrenal glands need to be removed. If you’ve been diagnosed with an adrenal gland disorder or are facing complications from a tumor or hormone imbalance, adrenalectomy may be the right step towards restoring your health.

How is an Adrenal Gland Removed?

In most cases, minimally invasive techniques are used to remove the adrenal glands. These techniques include laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery using the DaVinci robot. Small incisions are made on the abdomen and used to insert a camera and specialized tools to remove the diseased gland. Minimally invasive techniques allow patients to recover quickly and with lower risk of complications.
Open surgery is rarely used but might be required to remove larger tumors. Open surgery requires a large incision across the abdomen and a longer recovery.

Dr. Justin Malek is located in Birmingham, Alabama and offers minimally invasive adrenalectomy techniques whenever possible. Dr. Malek is committed to helping patients achieve the best possible outcome with reduced recovery time and improved quality of life.
Call (205) 595-8985 to schedule your appointment today.

What to Expect Before Surgery

You will talk with Dr. Malek to discuss the problem and symptoms associated with the adrenal glands. Preoperative lab tests and imaging are typically ordered to ensure that surgery would be helpful in your situation. It is very rare to need a biopsy of the adrenal gland.
If surgery is recommended, Dr. Malek will discuss the preoperative preparations you will need, which may involve taking certain medications or changing your diet to optimize your hormonal balance prior to surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Most patients will need one night in the hospital after a minimally invasive adrenalectomy. Dr. Malek uses the short hospital stay to ensure stabilization of hormones and blood pressure after surgery. The surgical team will also ensure that postsurgical pain is well controlled.
The incisions are usually covered with skin glue. You may shower and resume most day-to-day activities at the time of discharge. You will follow up with Dr. Malek 2-3 weeks after surgery to ensure recovery is going smoothly and hormone balance has been restored. An earlier clinic appointment or phone call is always welcome if there are concerns from our patients.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are experiencing symptoms related to adrenal gland dysfunction or have been advised to consider surgery, don’t wait to seek expert guidance. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Malek today to explore your treatment options, get answers to your questions, and receive a care plan tailored to your unique needs. Our team in Birmingham, Alabama is here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery.
Call (205) 595-8985 to schedule your appointment today!

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/adrenalectomy

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/adrenalectomy-adrenal-gland-removal

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/conditions-treated/adrenal/adr