Percutaneous adrenal tumor ablation

Background and indications

Percutaneous adrenal ablation is offered for small adrenal metastases or certain secreting benign tumors when surgery is not indicated or in frail patients.

Benefits

Minimally invasive alternative to surgical adrenalectomy, with rapid recovery and preservation of healthy adrenal tissue.

Procedure

Under general anesthesia, a needle is guided under CT to the adrenal tumor. Ablation is performed by cryoablation, RF or microwave depending on lesion size and location. The procedure lasts 1-2 hours.

Risks

Risks include bleeding (hematoma), transient hypertension (due to adrenal gland proximity), pneumothorax if the tumor is high, or damage to neighboring organs.

Recovery and follow-up

1-2 night hospitalization with blood pressure monitoring. Follow-up CT at 1-3 months then regular surveillance.

Practical information

General anesthesia. Hospital stay: one to two nights.