.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:42 What do the adrenal glands do
1:12 symptoms of Adrenalectomy
2:12 how is it done
2:18 Open adrenalectomy
2:31 Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
3:12 Risks

Adrenalectomy (sometimes written as ADX for the procedure or resulting state)[1] is the surgical removal of one or both (bilateral adrenalectomy) adrenal glands. It is usually advised for patients with tumors of the adrenal glands. The procedure can be performed using an open incision (laparotomy) or laparoscopic technique. If both adrenals are removed, then the subject requires a lifetime of steroid supplementation of cortisone and hydrocortisone. The dose needs to be increased when in stress.[2]
Complications from an adrenalectomy can include insufficient cortisol production, post-operative bleeding, damage to nearby organs, and post-operative infection. M.E. Gemmill; et al. (February 2003). "Leptin suppresses food intake and body weight in corticosterone-replaced adrenalectomized rats". Journal of Nutrition. 133 (2): 504–9. doi:10.1093/jn/133.2.504. PMID 12566491. "Some of these effects are reportedly enhanced in bilaterally adrenalectomized (ADX) rats."