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Is adrenal tumor surgery a major operation?

Jul 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
If the adrenal tumor is benign, such as a small adrenal adenoma located near the edge of the adrenal gland without adhesion to surrounding major blood vessels or important organs, it can usually be removed via laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, allows for quick recovery, requires a relatively short operative time, and is associated with few postoperative complications. It is not considered a major surgical procedure, and patients generally recover well and are discharged within about one week after surgery.

Generally speaking, whether adrenal tumor surgery is considered a major procedure depends on the tumor's nature, size, and location. Tumors that are benign and superficial typically carry lower surgical risks, whereas malignant tumors or those located deep and invading surrounding tissues are considered major surgeries. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the adrenal tumor is benign, such as a small adrenal adenoma located near the adrenal periphery without adhesion to surrounding major blood vessels or vital organs, it can usually be removed via laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, involves a quick recovery, shorter operative time, and fewer postoperative complications. It is not considered a major surgery, and patients generally recover and are discharged within about one week after surgery.

When the adrenal tumor is malignant, such as adrenocortical carcinoma, or when the tumor is large (often exceeding 6 cm in diameter) and closely adhered to surrounding tissues such as the kidney, inferior vena cava, or pancreas, an open surgical approach is required to completely remove the tumor and affected tissues. These procedures are technically complex, may involve handling major blood vessels during surgery, carry higher risks, and require a longer postoperative recovery period, thus classified as major surgeries. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be needed for malignant tumors, resulting in a longer treatment course.

Prior to undergoing adrenal tumor surgery, patients should cooperate with their physicians to complete imaging examinations such as CT and MRI to evaluate the tumor condition and determine the appropriate surgical approach. Postoperatively, patients should strictly follow medical advice for care. If symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or abnormal blood pressure occur, patients should immediately inform their physicians for prompt management.

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