What does "adrenalectomy" mean?

Adrenalectomy means surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, from adrenal meaning the adrenal gland located on top of each kidney, and ectomy meaning surgical removal. It is performed to treat adrenal tumors including pheochromocytoma, which is a catecholamine-producing tumor causing dangerous blood pressure spikes, Cushing syndrome caused by cortisol-producing tumors, aldosteronoma causing excessive aldosterone production, and adrenal cancer. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the preferred approach for smaller tumors.