The adrenal glands, situated above each kidney, can be affected by tumours that are either hormone-producing or discovered incidentally on imaging. Robotic adrenalectomy allows these glands to be precisely and safely removed through small incisions, with the enhanced visualisation and control of the robotic system supporting a quicker recovery and return to normal life.
TREATMENTS
Robotic Adrenalectomy
When Is Adrenalectomy Recommended?
Adrenal surgery requires thorough endocrine and radiological assessment beforehand. Removal is recommended when:
• A phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (adrenaline-producing tumour) is identified
• A functioning adrenal adenoma is causing Conn syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) or Cushing syndrome
• An adrenal mass larger than 4-6 cm that has grown on surveillance imaging, or shows features suspicious for malignancy
• An isolated adrenal metastasis from another cancer is recommended for removal by your oncologist
Risks and Considerations
All procedures carry risks, which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail. These may include:
• Blood pressure swings during surgery for hormone-producing tumours, managed with specialised anaesthetic care and possibly pre-operative medications
• Bleeding or damage to other organs (rare)
• Temporary steroid replacement after removal of a cortisol-producing tumour
Recovery at a glance: Usually 2 nights in hospital; most return to normal activity within 2–3 weeks.
1
Hormonal and Imaging Assessment
All patients undergo biochemical testing to exclude hormone excess. Patients with hormone-producing tumours are managed together with an endocrinologist before surgery.
2
Robotic-Assisted Removal
The adrenal gland is carefully mobilised and removed through small incisions, protecting nearby vessels and organs.
3
Pathological Analysis
The removed gland undergoes detailed histopathological assessment to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy.
4
Outcome Monitoring
Hormonal function is reassessed after surgery. Patients with functioning tumours often see blood pressure and metabolic effects improve within weeks.
Our Approach
