Extent of adrenalectomy for adrenal neoplasm: cortical sparing (subtotal) versus total adrenalectomy

The standard operation on adrenal neoplasias is a complete adrenalectomy. Accepted exceptions are bilateral inherited pheochromocytomas. In these cases, clinical and biochemical cure, as well as preservation of cortical function, can be achieved by a noncomplete adrenalectomy. In that procedure, at least one third of one gland has to be preserved. In unilateral adrenal tumors, partial resection has been used, especially in Conns adenomas, with early results comparable to those of total adrenalectomy. Because longterm results are still limited in hyperaldosteronism, final conclusions are not possible today.