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For patients who undergo adrenalectomy, minimally-invasive surgical approaches, which include laparoscopic and robotic techniques, are routinely employed at our Center in Philadelphia. 

The adrenal glands are located in the area of the body known as the retroperitoneum just above the kidneys.  These small paired organs serve a critical function in keeping the body’s physiological balance. 

Approximately 5% of individuals harbor tumors in their adrenal glands.  When these tumors are discovered on radiology scans performed for other reasons, they are termed adrenal incidentalomas.  Although the vast majority of such tumors are benign, the possibility of a cancerous lesions always must be eliminated.  They must be evaluated using appropriate endocrinologic and radiologic approaches.

Furthermore, some benign adenal tumors can be extremely harmful.  Approximately 10% of adrenal masses secrete an excess of hormones that deleteriously affect the body.  For example, hormonal hypersecretion can lead to such conditions as Cushing’s Syndrome, Conn’s Syndrome, and Pheochromocytoma. 

As such, a thorough and rigorous evaluation must be performed for every patient with an adrenal lesion.  Each patient must receive a metabolic work-up where hormone levels in the blood are thoughtfully tested.  Appropriate radiographic evaluation is paramount. Many of these clinical strategies require a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of adrenal disease.

Fox Chase physicians are on the cutting edge when it comes to management of adrenal masses.

In order to avoid unnecessary surgery, successful management of patients with adrenal mass requires not only advanced surgical skills, but also a fluent knowledge of adrenal physiology, adrenal neoplasm biology, and adrenal imaging.  

At Fox Chase, our experts understand the nuances in management of patients with adrenal masses.  In fact, two of our physicians — Dr. Alexander Kutikov and Dr. Robert G. Uzzo — have co-authored the definitive chapter on adrenal disorders in the latest edition of the universally established "bible of urology," the Campbell-Walsh Urology textbook.

While our experts strive to avoid overtreatment, some patients do require surgery. When possible, our surgeons employ minimally-invasive approaches when adrenalectomy is necessary.