 |
Laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy
This is the most common minimally invasive approach used by surgeons to remove the adrenal gland. Three to four small incisions will be made under your rib cage (see diagram) which the surgeon will use to access the adrenal gland by going through the abdominal cavity. |
 |
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy
This is another minimally-invasive approach to remove your adrenal gland, only performed at a few specialized centers, such as Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Three small incisions are made in your back below your 12th rib (see diagram) which the surgeon will your to access the adrenal from behind without entering the abdominal cavity. |
 |
Open adrenalectomy
A large abdominal incision is used when there is a diagnosis or a strong suspicion of adrenal cancer before your surgery. Occasionally, other large tumors may also require an open operation. |