Cushing’s Disease – Adrenal Gland Removal after “Failed” Pituitary Surgery

This week we are following up with a young 22-year-old UCLA student who underwent a bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) because of “failed” Cushing’s Disease about 6 months ago.

Overall, she has done tremendously well since surgery. Watch the full Q&A to hear her discuss her long journey with Cushing's Disease, her surgery experience and her new and improved life.

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The first-line treatment for Cushing’s disease is pituitary surgery to remove the tumor. When pituitary surgery works (70%), it is great! However, about 1/3 will never be cured in the first place or the tumor grows back (recurrence). This is “failed” Cushing’s Disease. Don’t despair! There are other treatment options.

In these patients, removing all cortisol-producing cells (total bilateral adrenalectomy) is often the best option. The goal is to remove all cells of the adrenal glands, which overproduce the toxic levels of cortisol.

The Mini-Back Scope Operation (MBSA) is the best adrenal operation for “failed” ACTH-dependent Cushing’s disease. Do not go through the belly to get to the adrenal glands!

Read about adrenal surgery and the Mini-Back Scope Adrenal Operation (MBSA) here: https://www.adrenal.com/adrenal-surge...