Outcomes After Adrenal Surgery at UCLA

Experience Is Paramount

At UCLA Endocrine Surgery we perform over 900 endocrine surgeries per year. Our volume of adrenal surgeries ranks among the highest in the nation.

UCLA Endocrine Surgery Selected Scientific Work in Adrenal Surgery

• Right Single-Incision Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy Using the Mini GelPoint Device. Published in Video Endocrinology 2016. [Warning: video includes graphic footage of surgery]
• Single-Incision Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy: A North American Experience. Published in Surgical Endoscopy 2017.
• Laparoscopic Transabdominal Adrenalectomy – A Procedure That Has Stood the Test of Time. Published in JAMA Surgery 2018.
• Defining the Competencies for Laparoscopic Transabdominal Adrenalectomy: An Investigation of Intraoperative Behaviors and Decisions of Experts. Published in Surgery 2020.

Scar Photos on Flickr: Single Access Retro Andrenalectomy | Laparoscopic Adrenal Surgery

Insurance Information

UCLA Healthcare accepts Medicare-assignment and private indemnity insurance.
We also participate in over 100 local and national managed care networks.

UCLA Endocrine Surgery Program Receives Grant from Christopher Murphy Foundation for Treatment of Uninsured Patients with Thyroid Cancer

Patient Testimonials

Small Cut, Big Results

“All these years I just thought I had high blood pressure. I never knew what was going on,” says Gloria Beauregard. Dr. Masha Livhits, an endocrine surgeon at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center, explains, “Mrs. Beauregard had what’s called an aldosteronoma, which is usually a benign tumor in her adrenal gland.” Read more about Gloria’s story.

Adrenaline-producing Adrenal Tumor (Pheochromocytoma)

By JSL67
I was referred to UCLA Department of Endocrine Surgery by my cardiologist after having hot flashes, sweating and high blood pressure. I had a cardiac work-up and ultrasound of my organs. A small mass was seen on my adrenal gland. i followed my doctor’s instructions and contacted UCLA. Initially seeing Dr. Michael Yeh and then Dr. Masha Livhits who performed the surgery. The office ran well with a caring staff and on time appointments. Every question I had was answered promptly and professionally. In preparation for the removal of the tumor my blood pressure had to be managed. This was done by changing all my BP meds, filling out a BP log and having Dr Livhits or the her nurse respond to my readings and adjust the new meds accordingly. I felt well taken care of with their prompt replies. The hospital portion of this journey was also well organized and I received attentive care by the medical staff. I had some cardiac risk factors going into the procedure which were managed well by the anesthesiologists. Glad to have this behind me and I feel lucky to have been sent to the right place for this medical problem.

A Young Man’s Tale

By David
I had pain in my abdomen. It made me nervous as I didn't know what was wrong. I went to a different hospital that did an ultrasound and thought it was my gallbladder but they were wrong. So I went to another provider that did a CT scan and found a 9mm adrenal mass. When I looked that up on line I saw that anything larger than 4 mm is serious. So I continued to be worried. I then saw an endocrinologist at UCLA and had another CT scan. He said that I was young since I was only 30. They could not determine at that point if it was cancerous but told me I needed surgery and it could be determined after that. I was scared since it was large. I was referred to Dr. Livhits. She had a good attitude and was positive. She said it appeared to be benign but we would need to clarify that after the surgery. She said it was good that a PET scan showed it had not spread. I woke up after the surgery and spent 1 night in recovery and 3 nights in the hospital. I got good care. I then had to wait 4-5 more days for test results to confirm that it was benign. It was a ganglial neuroma. The surgery was 10 days ago. Doctor Livhits says the wound looks good. I can recommend Dr. Livhits. She is knowledgable, positive and has a good attitude.

Text Book Pheochromocytoma All Good Now

By SK Runner
Once I was diagnosed with a pheocrhomocytoma I was very worried but after doing research and consulting the UCLA staff in the Endocrine Center I was confident that I was in the best hands. Dr. Yeh and Dr. Livhits explained my diagnosis and road-mapped my treatment and process back to health very effectively. My recovery was swift and I am looking forward to playing sports once again. My experience was outstanding and I highly recommend that anyone come to UCLA for treatment. My surgery, hospital stay and clinic experience was superb.