ORLive Presents: Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Surgical Treatment to Remove Cancerous Adrenal Glands

Live Webcast: From Shawnee Mission Medical Center: December 13, 2007 6:30 PM CST (December 14, 2007 00:30 UTC)

Adrenal glands, which are located on the top of both kidneys, produce hormones important to proper body function. However, when the gland is found to have a tumor, it often become necessary to remove the entire gland.

Joseph Petelin, MD, FACS, will remove an adrenal gland by performing a Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy during a live surgery Webcast on December 13, 2007, at 6:30 PM CST on www.OR-Live.com. Petelin performed one of the first laparoscopic adrenalectomies in 1991, and was the first to report on the procedure. Petelin's leadership in its development has led the procedure to become the standard of care for patients needing removal of an adrenal tumor.

"Before we did this laparoscopically, we used a large flank incision to remove the gland. It would require seven to ten days in the hospital," Petelin said. "Now, we use just three to four small incisions, and the patient usually goes home within 24 hours."

While they are generally benign, adrenal tumors can secrete abnormal levels of hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin that affect body systems. Petelin said patients with adrenal tumors could have symptoms as simple as high blood pressure or weight gain. During the Webcast, viewers can submit questions to the physician to be answered live. They can also request an appointment or more information. The Webcast will be archived on the site for viewing following the live airing.

Visit: http://www.or-live.com/shawneemission/1989 to learn more about adrenal gland cancer and view a program preview. VNR: http://www.or-live.com/rams/shm-1989-mkw-q.ram

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