Adrenalectomy

Your two adrenal glands make hormones to control your body’s metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, blood sugar and more. If your adrenal gland develops a tumor, it may need to be removed. Your surgeons at North Carolina Surgery (formerly REX Surgical Specialists) can help you with the diagnosis, pre-surgical preparation, optimal surgical approach, and post-surgical follow-up you need to have a smooth and safe recovery.

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal

If possible, your surgeon will remove your adrenal gland with an approach that’s laparoscopic, or minimally invasive. That means the surgeon will use small instruments and a camera rather than a large incision. You’ll recover more quickly from a minimally invasive approach, and your incisions will heal with much smaller scars. The typical stay in the hospital is one night.

Open Adrenal Gland Removal

Open surgery may be your best option in certain cases, especially if your adrenal gland tumors are large or may be malignant (cancerous), or you have had prior surgeries. After open adrenal surgery, you can expect to recover in the hospital for at least three to five days.

Medication After Surgery

Most of the time after removal of one adrenal gland, the other gland will produce enough hormone to do the work of both. If you have certain conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, or if both adrenal glands needed to be removed, you will need long-term steroid hormone supplementation. Your surgeon will help determine if this is necessary with specialized tests after your surgery.