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Adrenalectomy, Open Surgery


Why is this procedure done?


This is an operation to take out one or both of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands make a few different kinds of hormones. The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. You might need to have this operation because of tumors or other health problems. ‚  


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What will the results be?


Your results will depend on exactly why you are having surgery. If there is a tumor and it is not spread in the body, results might be better after your surgery. The doctor can fix hormone problems with this surgery. In many cases, your surgery can make your condition better. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
    • When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
  • Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
    • Lab tests
    • Ultrasound
    • CT or MRI scan
    • Nuclear scan
  • You may have to take some drugs to find out why your adrenal glands are not working.
  • You may be given drugs to clean or empty your bowels.
  • You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?


  • Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
  • Your doctor will make a cut below your rib cage or in your belly. Any large masses you have will be taken out. The doctor will carefully cut your adrenal gland(s) from the kidney. After this, the doctor will close the cut using stitches or staples and cover the cut with clean bandages. Your adrenal gland(s) will be sent to the lab to be looked at.
  • In some cases, your doctor will put a tiny tube into the part where the gland was taken out. This will help to drain some fluid during or after the procedure. The tube will be taken out within 1 week.
  • You may have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
  • The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
  • You may feel pain or soreness. Your doctor will check your pain and may give you drugs to ease the pain and upset stomach.
  • You may feel dizzy or have an upset stomach a few hours after the surgery. Sometimes, you need to have a small tube in your nose. It goes down to your belly to drain out any fluids. You will not be able to eat until the tube is taken out. You will start with eating clear liquids. Then you will work up to a bland diet when you are able to tolerate foods.
  • Your body may make less natural body hormones. Your doctor may give you drugs to correct your hormones.
  • You may be given special stockings to lower the chance of having blood clots in your legs.
  • You may stay at the hospital for 4 to 5 days. Full recovery might take 4 to 6 weeks.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Ask a family member or a friend to help with your needs and care.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
  • Wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
  • Weigh yourself each day. Tell your doctor if you gain 2 or more pounds over 24 hours.
  • You may go back to your normal diet.
  • Check your blood pressure often.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may check your cut site and take out the stitches. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


Slowly add to your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. It is important to breathe deeply and cough after surgery so that you do not get a lung infection. This will keep you from having lung problems caused by the drugs that put you to sleep. Take short walks around the inside of your home every hour or so. Walking improves bowel movements and lessens the chances for blood clots. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Very bad pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Dizziness and throwing up
  • Redness, swelling, and pus at the cut site
  • Rise in blood pressure
  • Scarring
  • Cough and lung infection
  • Blood clots
  • Other organs can be injured during surgery

Where can I learn more?


American Association of Endocrine Surgeons ‚  
http://endocrinediseases.org/adrenal/surgery_open_adrenalectomy.shtml ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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