title: The anterior approach to the adrenal gland.
abstract: The traditional approach to the adrenal gland is via a loin incision. While this is frequently the ideal approach for unilateral disease if both adrenals are to be examined or removed the surgeon must choose between bilateral loin incisions and a transabdominal approach. A bilateral posterior approach may be made with the patient is a prone, semi-jacknife position. This, however, is often unsuitable for sick patients, and of course does not permit the surgeon to perform a laparotomy or simultaneous oophorectomy if this is considered necessary. We feel, therefore, that an anterior approach merits serious consideration.
mesh_terms: D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D002369:Castration; D003106:Colon; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture