James Lugg, MD
Location & Hours
Affiliate Organizations
Copyright and Privacy
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach to the removal of one or both adrenal glands. This procedure is usually done for benign or malignant masses of the adrenal gland, but can also be used for removal of functional tumors of the adrenal such as pheochromocytoma and Cushing's syndrome.. The approach uses keyhole surgery to introduce small surgical instruments through ~1 cm incisions and employs a small endoscopic camera for visualization. (See Laparoscopic Surgery).
Advantages of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
The adrenals are located deep inside the body and in many circumstances, it can be a very invasive procedure to remove them. Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy offers a much more rapid recovery time for patients and allows them to return to work more quickly than standard open surgery. It also results in a lower requirement for pain medication both in the hospital and results in less pain in the post-operative recovery period. It also avoids the potential long term pain of a flank incision and the long surgical scar that results from the flank approach. Patients who undergo laparoscopic adrenalectomy have a complete endocrine and medical evaluation to prepare them for surgery, since we have found that this enhances outcomes greatly.
Are cancer control rates the same as open surgery?
Yes, cancer control rates with laparoscopic adrenalectomy are equivalent to open surgery. Studies have shown that the surgery is associated with shorter operative times, faster recovery and decreased blood loss and fewer complications than the open procedure. The incidence of recurrence in the incisions for laparoscopic surgery has been negligible and has prompted many surgeons to switch to this approach for the benefit of patients. The same study also points to the importance of having an experienced surgeon perform your surgery.
Why is my surgeon advising open surgery?
Not every patient is a candidate for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Patients with previous surgery or with large masses may not be able to have laparoscopic surgery due to technical considerations. Moreover, not every urologist is comfortable with the technique and may not feel it is the best thing for their patient in certain circumstances.
Are you a High Volume Center?
At Cheyenne Urological, we are a high volume practice for laparoscopic surgeries, so we bring that experience to bear to our patient encounters. Often, patients who were not thought to be candidates for laparoscopic adrenalectomy are typically able to go through the procedure without significant problems. Dr. Lugg performs this procedure in Cheyenne at present.
2301 House Street, Suite 500, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
(307) 635-4131
- info@cheyenneurological.com