Part of “CHAPTER 89 – SURGERY OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS“

The morbidity after elective adrenalectomy performed by experienced surgeons is relatively low; the mortality rate is <1%. Improper operative technique may rapidly result in a potentially fatal situation. Massive intraoperative bleeding, for example, may occur if the adrenal vein is torn by a weighty adrenal mass that is momentarily unsupported, or if the inferior vena cava is injured. Unrecognized, inadvertent entry into the pleural cavity during the operation may result in a pneumothorax, which could lead to a potentially life-threatening tension pneumothorax. Wound infections, abscesses, and incisional hernias may also be encountered after adrenalectomy.