Yes, adrenal glands can be removed by surgery. This surgery is called an adrenalectomy. It is usually done when there is a tumor in the gland, when the gland is producing too many hormones, or if it is damaged. Since we have two adrenal glands, doctors often remove only one. The other gland is usually enough to keep the body working normally.

Important Points

• If one gland is removed, the other takes over hormone production.
• If both glands are removed, the person will need to take hormone medicines (like cortisol and aldosterone) for life.
• Surgery can be done through an open method or with a laparoscope (small cuts with a camera).