General Information
DEFINITION--Removal of the adrenal glands.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Adrenal glands.
REASONS FOR SURGERY
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Pheochromocytoma (a tumor).
- Other adrenal-gland tumors.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Adults over 60.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Stress.
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent illness.
- Alcoholism or other chronic illness.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of kidneys; CT scan (See Glossary) of adrenal area.
- After surgery: Blood studies; laboratory examination of removed tissue.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- The adrenal glands are usually approached through incisions in the sides or back.
- The adrenal glands are located, isolated, cut free and removed. Tubes are left in to
allow drainage.
- The skin incisions are closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about
1 week after surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Adrenal-hormone shortage.
- Fluid retention.
- Increased risk of life-threatening infections.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--7 to 10 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Weigh yourself daily. Report any weight gain of 2 or more pounds in any 24--
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 months after surgery. > Resume driving 1 week after
returning home. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is
complete.
DIET--Your doctor will prescribe a low--salt diet.
Call Your Doctor If
† You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a
general ill feeling and fever. If any of these develop--even after recovery---call your
doctor.
> You experience new symptoms such as: nausea;
vomiting; dizziness; fatigue; weakness; fluid retention; or weight gain.
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