Who is a Candidate for Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy?
• Tumors less than 10 cm in diameter (~ 4 inches). Tumors larger than this are more likely to be cancerous and therefore require better exposure and a more aggressive operation. Tumors larger than this also pose a technical problem because the surgeon has difficulty seeing around it with the camera. • Tumors which secrete hormone. These masses are ideally suited for this approach. • Pheochromocytomas. Pheochromocytomas are tumors which arise from the central zone of the adrenal gland (the medulla) and secrete epinephrine (adrenaline). Since they are usually small and benign, they can be removed with great success using this minimally invasive approach. • Tumors which do not secrete hormone…if they are greater than 4 cm (~ 1 3/4 inches). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the perfect approach to these masses which would otherwise necessitate numerous repeated CAT scans and often life-long follow-up by a physician. • Tumors which have NO characteristics of malignancy. Laparoscopic removal o
