Adrenalectomy is the surgical removal of one or both (bilateral adrenalectomy) adrenal glands. It is usually advised for patients with tumors of the adrenal glands. The procedure can be performed using an open incision (laparotomy) or laparoscopic technique.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy offers a major advantage to the patient compared to traditional open surgery. The open incision for adrenalectomy can be debilitating (Thoraco-abdominal) involving cutting through the breathing muscle at times to get to the adrenal gland. This certainly carries a longer hospital stay, more breathing complications as opposed to laparoscopic small incision surgery, where most patients go home the following day.
The only situation where laparoscopy cannot be done is an established diagnosis or a very high suspicion for adrenal cancer. Open surgery is a must in adrenal cancer, as laparoscopy carries a worse tumor outcome if used.