Revolutionizing Adrenal Surgery: The Future of Minimally Invasive Procedures

The use of a single-incision adrenal surgery is revolutionizing the medical field with its faster procedure and shorter hospital stays for patients. Adrenal problems, whether caused by cancer or hormone overproduction, are often discovered during the treatment of other conditions. Dr. Helmi Khadra, an endocrine oncology surgeon at Houston Methodist, explains that patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain or fractures, leading to the discovery of an adrenal mass through imaging tests.

Houston Methodist is the first to offer the robotic retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a single incision for all instruments to access the adrenal gland. This innovative approach reduces the risk of infections, shortens hospital stays to just one day, and results in less pain for patients during their recovery. The surgery is performed through the back, accessing the retroperitoneum where the adrenal glands are located.

In addition to treating adrenal cancer, this surgery is also used to address hormone overproduction by the adrenal glands. Dr. Khadra explains that the adrenal glands play a crucial role in producing hormones that regulate various functions in the body, including blood pressure, adrenaline, sex hormones, and stress hormone. If left untreated, these issues can lead to complications such as elevated blood pressure and worsened diabetes.

For patients with adrenal cancer, this surgery may be necessary to remove the affected gland and prevent it from spreading further. In cases of aggressive cancer, an open procedure may still be required to ensure that all cancerous tissue is completely removed. As medical technology continues to advance rapidly, patients can benefit from minimally invasive procedures like single-incision adrenal surgery for faster recoveries and better outcomes.

In conclusion, single-incision adrenal surgery has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits for patients. With its ability to reduce pain and shorten hospital stays while addressing serious medical conditions like cancer and hormonal imbalances