Tumors of the adrenal cortex

Extensive advances in surgery of the adrenal cortex have occurred in the last 23 years. The significant historical events are outlined herein. The demonstration 22 years ago that man can survive after bilateral total adrenalectomy, with adequate substitution therapy, has given a great impetus to surgery of tumors of the adrenal. The pathology, the pathologic physiology, and important steps in preoperative evaluation and diagnosis are given in detail. The intraoperative and postoperative management are described, including the details of effective chemotherapy. Emphasis is appropriately placed on the importance of the team approach to the problem of neoplasm of the adrenal cortex, for nowhere is there a greater necessity for the combined efforts of internists, radiologists, chemotherapists, and surgeons.