Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Adrenalectomy
Adrenal glands are organs that make several hormones that your body needs in order to function. You have two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. An adrenalectomy is a surgery to remove an adrenal gland. You may need this surgery if an adrenal gland is making too much hormone or if you have a tumor on your adrenal gland.
One healthy adrenal gland can produce enough adrenal hormones to live a normal life. So, after one adrenal gland is removed, hormone replacement is not needed.
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Laparoscopic. This kind is done through small cuts (incisions) with the help of a lighted, pencil-sized instrument (laparoscope).
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Open. This kind is done through a larger incision.
Tell a health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
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Any blood disorders you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding.
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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Injury to other organs.
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High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension).
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
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Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.
Eating and drinking restrictions
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8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
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2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking prescription medicines to lower the levels of hormones if the glands are producing too much of them. These hormones are cortisol, aldosterone, or adrenaline.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
General instructions
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Your health care provider may do blood tests and imaging tests.
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Ask your health care provider:
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How your surgical site will be marked or identified.
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include:
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Removing hair at the surgery site.
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Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
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Taking antibiotic medicine.
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If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult care for you for the time you are told. This is important.
What happens during the procedure?
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An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
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You will be given one or both of the following:
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A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
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A thin, flexible tube (catheter) may be put into your bladder to drain urine.
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A tube may be passed through your nose or mouth and into your stomach (NG tube or nasogastric tube). This tube removes fluid from your stomach to keep you from feeling nauseous and vomiting.
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Your surgeon will choose one of the following methods for your surgery.
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For laparoscopic adrenalectomy:
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3–4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen.
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Carbon dioxide will be pumped into your abdomen to make it easy for your surgeon to see internal organs.
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A laparoscope and other small surgical instruments will be put through the incisions.
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For open adrenalectomy:
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A large incision will be made under your rib cage, in the middle of your abdomen, or along your side.
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The blood vessels that lead to the adrenal gland will be tied off or clipped to prevent bleeding.
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The adrenal gland will be removed.
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Nearby organs will be checked.
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Your abdomen will be rinsed with sterile saline solution.
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Your muscles will be stitched (sutured) back together.
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Your incisions will be closed. This may be done using stitches (sutures), staples, skin glue, or adhesive strips.
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A bandage (dressing) will be used to cover the incisions.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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If a tube was inserted into your bladder or stomach, it will be removed as soon as possible.
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You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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You will be given medicines:
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To treat pain.
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To regulate certain hormone levels.
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To control blood pressure.
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Summary
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An adrenalectomy is a surgery to remove an adrenal gland.
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This is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, such as infection, bleeding, allergic reactions to medicines, high or low blood pressure, or injury to other organs.
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Follow your health care provider’s instructions about eating and drinking, quitting smoking, and taking medicines before the procedure.
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Your surgery will be done in one of two ways: minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.
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You will be monitored closely after the surgery. You will also be given medicines to treat pain, regulate certain hormone levels, and control blood pressure.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
