The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
Adrenalectomy
ADRENAL GLAND REMOVAL
If you have adrenal cancer, HCA UK provides adrenal gland removal surgery to prevent the spread of cancerous cells
About
The two adrenal glands are located above each kidney. Adrenal tumours are rare and most are benign (non-cancerous), however there are two main types of adrenal gland cancer - phaeochromoctyoma and adrenocortical carcinoma.
If you’ve been diagnosed with adrenal gland cancer, we’ll assess you to decide if you need surgery (adrenalectomy) to remove all or part of your adrenal gland.
Need to know
Adrenalectomy is a procedure to remove your adrenal gland if you have adrenal cancer.It involves removing the tissue that immediately surrounds the affected adrenal gland, as well as the nearby lymph nodes and kidney if the cancer has spread.
There are two main types of adrenalectomy depending on the size of the tumour - minimally invasive (known as laparoscopic or keyhole surgery) which uses one or more small cuts in the abdomen, and open surgery that is carried out using traditional instruments and cuts.
An adrenalectomy is generally a safe procedure, however as with any surgery, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you, answer any questions and tell you how long to avoid eating and drinking before hand.
The adrenalectomy is usually done while you’re asleep under general anaesthetic and the area will be closed with stitches or staples.
When the procedure is completed, you may have a drip (infusion) going into your arm to keep you hydrated and help with pain relief. A catheter may also be inserted to help you urinate (pee). You should be able to eat and drink normally once you are fully awake.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery unit, where our dedicated team will look after you. You’ll be given pain relief medication if you need it.
You won’t need to stay in hospital long and should be able to go home after one or two days. Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital.
They will also advise you on how to manage your recovery and when you can get back to your usual daily routines.
You may need painkilling tablets for up to a week after your surgery, as prescribed.
Our Adrenalectomy locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
The Physicians' Clinic
14 Devonshire Street London W1G 7AE
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
Private Care at Guy's
London Bridge Hospital Private Care at Guy's London SE1 9RT
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
Sydney Street Outpatients
102 Sydney Street London SW3 6NR
The London Gamma Knife Centre
Platinum Medical Centre, Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Exceptional cancer care in Manchester
Wilmslow Road Manchester M20 4BX
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.