At North Orlando Surgical Group, we are proud to have established a unique surgical practice characterized by superior skills and extraordinary services both to the patient we care for as well as their referring physicians. We are recognized in Central Florida for our ability to perform complex procedures in the least invasive way. Our attentive staff is focused on providing the highest level of personal services and are committed to making every patient’s surgical experience as comfortable and convenient as it can be.
The adrenal glands are two small organs; one located above each kidney. They are triangular in shape and about the size of a thumb. These glands are known as endocrine glands because they produce hormones. These hormones are involved in 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.
Patients with adrenal gland problems may have a variety of symptoms related to excess hormone production by the abnormal gland. Adrenal tumors associated with excess hormone production include:
• Pheochromocytomas: Produce excess hormones that can cause very high blood pressure and periodic spells characterized by severe headaches, excessive sweating, anxiety, palpitations and rapid heart rate that may last from a few seconds to several minutes
• Aldosterone-producing Tumors: These tumors cause high blood pressure and low serum (blood) potassium levels. In some patients this may result in symptoms of weakness, fatigue and frequent urination.
• Cortisol-producing Tumors: These tumors cause a syndrome called Cushing’s syndrome that can be characterized by obesity (especially in the face and trunk), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, menstrual irregularities, and fragile skin and prominent stretch marks. Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome however are caused by small pituitary tumors and are not treated by adrenal gland removal. Overall adrenal tumors account for about 20% of cases of Cushing’s syndrome.
• Adrenal gland cancers: These are rare tumors that are usually very large at the time of diagnosis. Removal of these however are usually done by open adrenal surgery.
If an adrenal tumor is suspected based on symptoms or has been identified by x-ray, the patient should undergo blood and urine tests to determine if the tumor is over-producing hormones. The procedure of removing an adrenal gland is called an adrenalectomy. The adrenal gland may be removed on one side of both sides at the time of surgery depending on the nature of the disease.
We perform this procedure as a laparoscopic surgery known as a laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This is the procedure of choice for benign (non-cancerous) adrenal tumors. In this procedure three to five small incisions are made to insert a video chip camera and long tubes called ports through which long instruments are introduced for the surgery through the abdomen.
Some advantages to this procedure are:
• Shorter hospitalization
• More rapid recovery time
• Earlier return to work
• Smaller incisions.
We are one of very few surgeons in the Central Florida area who perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Our positive outcome speak for themselves. If you are considering adrenal surgery call us for an appointment today.