Adrenal (adrenal gland) tumors and disorders are clinical conditions that can significantly affect hormone production and metabolic balance. Some of these lesions secrete hormones while others do not, and since the clinical impact differs accordingly, patients can present with different symptoms.
The treatment of adrenal disorders is planned by taking the type and size of the lesion, its hormonal activity and the patient's general health into account. In suitable cases, robotic or laparoscopic surgery is considered a modern and effective treatment option for this region, which requires high precision.
Diagnosing adrenal tumors and disorders involves detailed hormonal work-up by Internal Medicine or Endocrinology, followed by evaluation of the mass with advanced imaging. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to assess the lesion's structure, size and relationship to surrounding tissue in detail, which determines whether surgery is needed and how it should be performed. Depending on a mass's hormone output, some subtypes require vital medical treatment before, during and after surgery.
The adrenal gland sits behind many organs, in a location that is hard to reach. Robotic surgery for adrenal tumors and disorders offers a high level of surgical control in this anatomically deep and delicate region. Three-dimensional visualization, enhanced range of motion and the elimination of hand tremor make it far easier to reach the deeply positioned adrenal gland. The surrounding vessels and tissues can be preserved while the surgery is carried out.
The robotic approach can provide advantages such as easier access to the adrenal gland, less tissue trauma, less bleeding and a faster recovery. With proper patient selection, safe and successful results are the aim.
Instead of the very large skin incision and cutting of muscles used in everyday life that open adrenal tumor surgery requires, the operation is performed through three 8 mm incisions, and the mass is removed intact through a 3–4 cm incision sized to the mass. Besides this cosmetic advantage, it allows a return to normal life in a very short time.
The average hospital stay after surgery is 2–4 days. This may extend by 1–2 days depending on the patient's need for hormonal treatment. Afterwards, patients are followed up regularly, with follow-up intervals planned according to the tumor's pathology. Surgical recurrence is checked at varying intervals with ultrasound, CT or MRI, and the patient's hormone profile must also be monitored regularly. Endocrinological evaluation and supportive treatments may be planned if needed.
The main goal of the treatment process is to effectively control the disease and preserve the patient's quality of life.
