Treatment options and laparoscopy for adrenal tumor

An adrenal tumor refers to cancerous or non-cancerous growths on the adrenal gland. Studies indicate that most adrenal tumors are benign, causing no apparent abnormalities. However, the cancerous tumor may cause an imbalance in one or more hormones. These hormones mainly include cortisol, aldosterone, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The laparoscopy for adrenal tumor treatment varies depending upon:

• The type of tumor
• Size of the tumor
• position of cancer
• overall health condition 
• anticipated side effects

Except for benign tumors, surgery is the most preferred treatment. Moreover, laparoscopy for adrenal tumor is the best choice.

Why is laparoscopic adrenalectomy preferred?

Since the last decade, laparoscopy is a gold standard for the treatment of adrenal tumors. However, it is a complex procedure that requires expertise. Small benign tumors often do not need any surgical procedure, and they appear in MRI or CT scans for an entirely different reason. More than this classification, tumors are classified as functioning and non-functioning tumors. Large-sized functioning tumors should be removed, and small non-functioning tumors are set to periodical observation for their size and hormonal imbalance.

Laparoscopy for adrenal tumor is recommended if the cancer is small and benign. By small size, we mean less than 5 cm. However, according to some recent studies, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can also be performed for pheochromocytomas. It proves to be effective and safe with a tumor or diameter of more than 5cm. Laparoscopy may be transperitoneal or retroperitoneal. The treatment type depends upon the surgeon and his expertise. However, retroperitoneal is preferred in which the surgeon does not have to deal with the abdominal organs. Hence, laparoscopic adrenalectomy in Pakistan is the most preferred treatment because it is minimally invasive, and some other benefits are as under:

• Minimal discomfort due to most minor possible incisions (1/4 to ½ inches incision)
• Lesser post-operative pain 
• Shorter hospital stay 
• Lesser cosmetic concerns
• No to very low blood loss
• Lesser risk of herniation and wound separation 

Risks and complications of laparoscopy for adrenal tumor

Just like any other surgery, there may be some complications during laparoscopic adrenalectomy as well.

• There may be any adverse reaction to anesthesia
• High pressure
• blood clot and wound problem are relatively uncommon
• There may be an injury to other organs that you can easily avoid by choosing the best surgeon for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in Pakistan. 

The expert surgeons have the experience to deal with any of the above complications in the best possible way. However, you must keep a check for the following post-operative symptoms.

• Persistent fever (101°F)
• Abdominal swelling
• Purulent pus from any of the incisions
• Pain, Nausea, vomiting, chills

In case of any of the symptoms, call for an appointment with your doctor.