Adrenal gland insufficiency develops at higher rates in developed countries such as the UK, USA, Germany, Spain, etc., than in other parts of the world. Between 1986 and 2020, approximately 502 patients underwent adrenalectomy, with 104 undergoing open adrenalectomy and 398, about 71.4%, undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. However, the high adrenal gland surgery cost in these countries has led to a growing trend in medical tourism, with many patients seeking more affordable options in countries like Turkey, Colombia, and others.
So, if you are also looking for quality adrenal gland surgery, visiting Turkey can be an ideal option, as the country is not only rich in cultural and historical heritage but also cities like Antalya, Istanbul and Izmir, which are home to advanced healthcare services with some of the world's known specialists. On this page, we’ll learn everything about the adrenal gland surgery in Turkey, including treatment options, costs, recovery, and more.
Adrenal gland surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to restore normal adrenal function or when there is a risk to the patient's health. Understanding the common medical indications can help you determine when surgery might be needed.
Here are some common indications that may require an adrenal gland surgery in Turkey:
If you're unsure whether you need adrenal gland surgery or are concerned about the costs involved, consulting a specialist in Turkey is your next step. Turkey offers advanced medical infrastructure, internationally accredited surgeons, and affordable treatment costs compared to many Western countries, all without compromising on the quality of care.
An adrenal gland surgery, or adrenalectomy, is usually suggested for patients who cannot be treated with medications and therapies. That is why adrenalectomy is considered the treatment option for advanced-stage adrenal gland cancer. In Turkey, patients have access to state-of-the-art surgical techniques performed by experienced specialists. Here are the primary types of adrenal gland surgery offered in Turkey:
Open or radical adrenalectomy is generally performed for patients with large or invasive adrenal tumours, including adrenocortical carcinoma. In this procedure, a surgeon makes a larger incision to fully access and remove the adrenal gland. This method is preferred when there is a risk of the cancer spreading to nearby organs such as the liver or kidney. It helps with comprehensive tumour removal and is often chosen in complex or advanced cases.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a comparatively less invasive surgery than traditional adrenalectomy and is used primarily for smaller, non-invasive tumours or hormone-producing adrenal adenomas. Surgeons make a few small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical tools. This results in less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery times and smaller scars. Depending on the tumour type, size, and location, the surgeon may perform a partial adrenalectomy to preserve adrenal function.
In Turkey, adrenal gland surgery is performed using the open or laparoscopic method. While open surgery may be required for complex or cancerous cases, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the preferred option for many due to its quicker recovery time and reduced postoperative discomfort. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the laparoscopic adrenal gland surgery procedure:
During this step, you will undergo a series of diagnostic tests, including imaging scans and blood work, to assess the tumour and overall health. A consultation with your surgical team and anaesthesiologist is conducted to review medical history and finalise the surgical plan.
Before the surgery begins, general anaesthesia is administered to make sure that you are completely unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
The surgeon makes three to four small incisions, less than 1 cm each, in the abdomen. These incisions serve as entry points for laparoscopes and other specialised surgical instruments. The laparoscope provides real-time video of the adrenal gland area and guides the surgeon during the procedure. Using laparoscopic tools, the surgeon then carefully detaches and removes the adrenal gland or tumour.
The adrenal gland or tumour is extracted through one of the small incisions, often placed in a protective bag to avoid contamination. In the case of partial adrenalectomy, only the affected portion of the gland is removed.
The surgical instruments are taken out once the gland or tumour has been removed. The small incisions are closed using surgical glue, sutures, or small bandages, depending on the case. A sterile dressing is applied for healing and preventing infection.
You will be taken to a recovery area for observation as you wake from anaesthesia. Most patients are able to go home within 1–2 days, depending on their condition and recovery progress.
If you are planning to undergo adrenal gland surgery and wondering how much time you may need to recover, here are some general details on adrenal gland surgery recovery to help you make your decisions. One of the key advantages of choosing adrenal gland surgery in Turkey is not only the cost-effectiveness but also the modern surgical techniques that provide a faster and less painful recovery experience. Note that adrenal gland removal surgeries do not fall under the category of major surgeries and can take around 1-2 weeks to heal.
However, the above-mentioned recovery period is associated with laparoscopic adrenal gland surgery. On the other hand, open adrenal gland removal surgery may take longer than laparoscopic adrenal gland removal surgery.
Also, immediately after the surgery, make sure to limit your activities and strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Once you get discharged from the hospital, visit your doctor for prescribed follow-ups and resume activities as directed by your doctor. Do remember that the pain occurrence on the site of operation is normal and goes away with prescribed painkillers. However, if you face unmanageable pain and inflammation at the site of operation, which is quite rare, immediately contact your doctor.
The adrenal gland surgery cost varies significantly based on factors like the type of surgery, the hospital's location and reputation, the experience of the surgeon, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in the country where the surgery is performed.
In many Western countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the cost of adrenal gland surgery is considerably high. This financial burden can make timely access to necessary surgical intervention limited, especially for non-emergency cases or patients without insurance coverage.
On the other hand, countries like Turkey offer high-quality medical treatments at far more affordable rates, attracting international patients looking for both cost-effectiveness and good outcomes.
Getting your adrenal gland surgery in Turkey can be very beneficial, whether it's in terms of treatment quality, cost or accuracy. Therefore, a lot of people, especially from Western countries, visit Turkey for their adrenal gland removal surgery. Here are a few reasons that make Turkey the perfect destination for your adrenal gland surgery:
Turkey is a leading country for safe & specialised adrenal gland surgery, performed by highly qualified endocrine and laparoscopic surgeons using advanced techniques. Whether you need surgery for adrenal tumours, overactive glands like Cushing’s syndrome, chromocytoma, or incidentalomas, Turkey provides world-class care at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries.
Patients benefit from minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted adrenalectomy, which offers faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and smaller scars. Hospitals are internationally accredited and equipped with the latest imaging, diagnostic, and surgical technology.
With significantly lower healthcare costs, favourable exchange rates, and experienced specialists, Turkey delivers excellent outcomes for adrenal surgery with personalised attention and shorter wait times. This comparative chart shows the potential savings:
| Country | Adrenal Gland Surgery Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €4,500 - €8,500 |
| Europe | €14,000 - €22,000 |
| UK | €13,000 - €18,000 |
| USA | €18,000 - €28,000 |
If you're considering getting your adrenal gland surgery in Turkey, you should be aware of your options. In addition to many other attractions, Turkey is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscape. The country is divided up into a number of towns and places, each with unique characteristics. These include the bustling streets of Istanbul, the stunning coastlines around the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and the ancient remains of Ephesus.
A medical visa is required in order to get an adrenal gland surgery Turkey. When applying for a Turkish medical visa, it's crucial to remember the following:
For brief visits, many Europeans can enter Turkey without a visa. Certain patients may be granted a visa upon arrival, which is valid for a maximum of 90 days throughout a 180-day term. It is advisable to check the precise admission criteria according to your nationality when planning your trip.
Aside from its exciting nightlife, Turkey is known for its lively culture, delicious food, and long history. Turkey offers a wide range of attractions, from historical landmarks to delicious cuisine and UNESCO sites. Here are several must-see sites for anyone thinking about getting adrenal gland surgery in Turkey:
Feel free to start at the beginning or search for something specific if you are unsure. The next step is to figure out how to proceed after your trip to Turkey for your medical treatment.
