Adrenalectomy is the surgical removal of one or both (bilateral adrenalectomy) adrenal glands. It is usually advised for patients with tumors of the adrenal glands. The procedure can be performed using an open incision or laparoscopic technique. An open procedure usually requires a one week stay in the hospital while a patient undergoing a laparoscopic adrenalectomy can usually go home the next day.

If both adrenals are removed then a lifetime of steroid supplementation of cortisone and hydrocortisone is needed. The dose needs to be increased when in stress