Treatments
Adrenalectomy in India
Quick answer
Adrenalectomy removes one or both adrenal glands to treat hormone-producing tumours, suspicious adrenal masses or adrenal cancer. It suits people with conditions such as Conn's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome or phaeochromocytoma. International patients usually stay in India about a week, including hormone tests, surgery and recovery, depending on the approach.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and make hormones that control blood pressure, salt balance, stress response and metabolism. Tumours here can overproduce hormones, causing high blood pressure, weight gain, low potassium or episodes of pounding heart and sweating. Some adrenal masses are large or look suspicious for cancer.
Before surgery, an endocrinologist checks hormone levels to see whether the tumour is active. This is essential because some tumours, like phaeochromocytomas, need weeks of medicine before surgery to prevent dangerous blood pressure swings. Most adrenalectomies today are done by keyhole surgery.
Approaches: standard, keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic
Open adrenalectomy through a larger abdominal or flank cut is generally reserved for large tumours or suspected cancer that may invade nearby organs. Laparoscopic surgery is the standard for most benign tumours, with small cuts and faster recovery. Robotic adrenalectomy adds wristed instruments and 3D vision, which some surgeons favour for obese patients or difficult positions.
Who needs adrenalectomy
- Aldosterone-producing adenoma (Conn's syndrome) causing high blood pressure
- Cortisol-producing tumour (Cushing's syndrome)
- Phaeochromocytoma (adrenaline-producing tumour)
- Adrenal masses that are large or growing
- Suspected or confirmed adrenal cancer
- Selected adrenal metastases
How it is done
- Hormone tests and CT or MRI define the tumour type and size.
- Medicines prepare you, for example alpha-blockers for phaeochromocytoma.
- General anaesthesia is given.
- The surgeon reaches the adrenal by keyhole, robotic or open surgery.
- The adrenal vein is controlled and the gland is removed.
- Blood pressure, sugar and hormone levels are monitored closely afterwards.
Before you travel to India
- Hormone test results (aldosterone, renin, cortisol, metanephrines)
- CT or MRI adrenal scans
- Blood pressure readings and current medicines
- Endocrinologist's letter
- Plan for medical preparation that may begin before travel
Recovery and flying home
- Hospital stay is usually short after keyhole surgery, longer after open
- Blood pressure and electrolytes are watched closely
- Some patients need temporary steroid replacement
- Flying home once stable and medication plans are clear
- Endocrinology follow-up continues at home
Risks
- Blood pressure swings during phaeochromocytoma surgery
- Bleeding
- Adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol), particularly after Cushing's surgery or removal of both glands
- Injury to nearby organs
- Conversion to open surgery
Alternatives
- Medicines to block hormone effects
- Monitoring small, non-functioning masses
- Radiofrequency or other ablation in selected cases
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for adrenalectomy
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
Specialists
Dr Dheeraj KapoorKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani HospitalFrequently asked questions
Why do I need hormone tests before surgery?
They show whether the tumour is producing hormones. This changes how you are prepared and monitored, especially for phaeochromocytoma.
Will I need lifelong medicine after one adrenal is removed?
Usually not; the other gland takes over. Some patients need temporary steroids. Removing both glands means lifelong replacement.
Will my blood pressure improve?
Blood pressure often improves after a hormone-producing tumour is removed. Some people still need medicines, especially if they had high blood pressure for many years.
Can preparation start before I travel to India?
Yes. If you have phaeochromocytoma, medicines may begin at home under your doctor's guidance. Coordinate with the Indian team.
Which approach will I have?
Most benign tumours are removed laparoscopically. Large or suspicious tumours may need open surgery. Robotic surgery is offered in some centres.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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