The improvements of biochemical methods and imaging techniques in the diagnosis of adrenal disorders have changed the surgical management with regard to indication for operation, surgical approach to the adrenals and the extent of resection. This study reviews recent developments in surgical strategy of adrenal disorders based on surgical treatment of 246 patients from 1975 to 1993 at the Medical School of Hannover. Today extraperitoneal incisions are used with increasing frequency in small benign tumours to minimize the surgical trauma. The indication for operation of adrenal incidentalomas should be considered in all patients with hyperfunctional lesions and suspected malignancy. Bilateral total adrenalectomy is attended with the need for life-long adrenocortical supplementation resulting in an impaired quality of life. In this respect MEN 2 patients with bilateral adrenomedullary disease benefit from unilateral or bilateral subtotal resections with preservation of adrenocortical function. In conclusion, adrenal surgery today aims at the reduction of surgical trauma, early diagnosis and treatment of adrenal malignancies, and the preservation of adrenocortical function.
