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Adrenalectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Adrenalectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery

Definition

Adrenalectomy is surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands. These glands are on top of the kidney. They make hormones to help the body to work properly.

Adrenal Glands.

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Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to treat:

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Injury to nearby structures
  • Low levels of cortisol—a hormone that helps the body respond to stress

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Long term health issues such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems To Look Out For

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or any discharge from the incision
  • Lasting nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicine given
  • Problems passing urine, or blood in urine
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor will give general anesthesia. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will make to 3 to 4 small incisions in the belly. A tiny camera will be passed through one of these openings. The abdomen will be filled with gas. The gas helps the doctor get a better view. Other tools will separate the adrenal gland from the kidney. The gland will then be removed through an incision. The incisions will be stitched or stapled closed. Small bandages will be placed over them.

A tiny, flexible tube may be placed where the gland was removed. This tube will drain fluids that may build up. It will be removed within 1 week.

The doctor may need to switch to an open surgery if there are any problems.

Immediately After Procedure

The adrenal gland(s) will be sent to a lab to be checked. You will be sent to a recovery room.

How Long Will It Take?

1½ to 3½ hours

Will It Hurt?

Pain and discomfort are common in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Medicine and self care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

2 to 3 days

Postoperative Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medicines
  • Give IV fluids until you are able to eat

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your incision

At Home

It will take about 7 to 10 days to recover. Physical activity will be limited during this time. You will need to delay your return to work.

You may need to see a doctor who focuses on hormones. They can help you keep your hormones in a normal range after surgery.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Adrenal gland removal (adrenalectomy). Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeon website. Available at: https://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/adrenal-gland-removal-adrenalectomy-patient-information-from-sages.
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone measurement. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/lab-monograph/adrenocorticotropic-hormone-measurement.
  • Buxton, J., Vun, S.H., et al. Laparoscopic hand-assisted adrenalectomy for tumours larger than 5 cm. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2019; 90 (1): 74-78.
  • Cushing's syndrome. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center Plus website. Available at: https://www.ebsco.com/health-care/products/nursing-reference-center-plus.
  • Minimally invasive surgical removal of the adrenal glands. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center website. Available at: https://www.bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/urology/urologic-procedures-traditional-and-minimally-invasive/laparoscopic-adrenalectomy.
  • Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. University of Maryland Medical Center website. Available at: https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/laparoscopic-adrenalectomy.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2023-01-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.