Introduction

Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of one or both adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, are vital endocrine organs responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones regulate essential bodily functions including metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress adaptation.

Adrenalectomy is performed to treat a range of adrenal gland pathologies. Understanding these causes is fundamental to grasp why adrenalectomy is necessary.

2. Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)

Caused by aldosterone-producing adenomas or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, leading to uncontrolled hypertension and low potassium.

3. Cushing’s Syndrome Excess cortisol production due to adrenal adenomas, hyperplasia, or carcinomas, causing characteristic features such as central obesity, skin changes, and metabolic disturbances.

4. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia A genetic disorder leading to enzyme deficiencies affecting cortisol production and adrenal enlargement.

5. Metastatic Disease Adrenal glands are common metastatic sites for cancers such as lung, breast, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Adrenalectomy may be part of curative or palliative management.

6. Adrenal Hemorrhage or Trauma Rare indications include removing necrotic or damaged adrenal tissue post-injury.