Endocrine Surgery

Endocrine Surgery San Diego

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Endocrine surgery is a type of surgery that focuses on diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Olde Del Mar Surgical in San Diego specializes in endocrine surgery for the removal of the adrenal gland.

The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system, whose function is to release hormones into the bloodstream. These adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys and create hormones called catecholamines which consist of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The hormones control of blood pressure, chemical levels in the blood, water use in the body, glucose usage, and the “fight or flight” reaction during times of stress. They also affect heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat.

Endocrine System

Anatomy of a human showing the adrenal gland

The endocrine system consists of several glands located throughout the body. The hypothalamus connects the rest of the endocrine system to the nervous system. It is located at the base of the brain along with the pituitary gland, which takes information from the brain to direct other glands, and the pineal gland.

The Thyroid gland is located at the front of the throat, wrapped around the esophagus, and controls your growth and metabolism. Located behind the thyroid, the parathyroid is a set of four glands that help control bone health. The thymus makes white blood cells, crucial for fighting infections, and is located in the chest.

The pancreas, also part of the digestive system, creates insulin and glucagon hormones that help regulate the amount of sugar you have in your blood and cells. Found in the abdomen, the pancreas is flanked by the two adrenal glands. Ovaries in women and testes in men round out the endocrine system and create estrogen in women and testosterone in men.

The endocrine system plays a part in nearly every single function in the body. By helping the cells of your body communicate with each other, these glands are responsible for maintaining energy levels, weight, bone strength, reproductive health, and sleeping patterns.

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Adrenal Tumor Symptoms

Adrenal tumors may not always cause symptoms, however, it all depends of the hormone made by the tumor. Symptoms do not always indicate a tumor, which is why we recommend discussing any symptoms with your doctor beforehand.

High blood pressure
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Weight gain or loss
Diabetes

Headaches
Irregular heartbeats
Sleep disorder
Tremors
Purple stretch marks

While causing no serious health concerns, benign adrenal tumors, sometimes known as adenomas, can cause the body to create increased hormone levels. This may lead to Cushing’s Syndrome (weight gain, mood swings, and even diabetes) or Conn’s Syndrome (high blood pressure or muscle health).

The Tumor of the Adrenal Gland

Image of an adrenal gland on a kidney with a tumor

Endocrine Surgery for the Adrenal Gland

Patients who experience malignant adrenal tumors secrete excess hormones. To treat this condition, Olde Del Mar’s Provider Team recommends endocrine surgery.

In the past, making a large 6 to 12-inch incision in the abdomen, flank, or back was necessary for the removal of an adrenal gland tumor. Surgery now uses minimally invasive techniques to remove the adrenal gland.

This surgery is also known as laparoscopic adrenalectomy , or adrenal gland removal and uses three or four 1/4-1/2 inch incisions. Patients may leave the hospital in one or two days and return to work more quickly than patients recovering from open surgery.

Although laparoscopic adrenal gland removal has many benefits, it may not be appropriate for some patients. Olde Del Mar’s Provider Team can evaluate patients and determine which are candidates. Dr.Bhoryul is also fellowship-trained in laparoscopic adrenalectomies.