Adrenal Gland Surgery

How is/Are the adrenal glands removed?

The traditional method of removal has been either through incisions on the front of the abdomen or through an incision in the lower back.  Both of these incisions are occasionally associated with pain and prolonged recovery periods.  To reduce the pain and disability associated with incisions, we now perform these operations laparoscopically. 

Laparoscopic procedures involve the insertion of a telescopic camera system through a small incision in the abdominal wall.  Additional small incisions are made through which instruments are inserted to perform the operative procedure.  The tumour is then placed into a small bag and withdrawn from the abdominal cavity through one of these small incisions. 

Advantages of the laparoscopic technique include decreased postoperative pain, short hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities. This approach has been highly successful.  Conversion to the traditional open technique due to technical reasons is necessary in less than 5% of patients.

Adrenal Surgery post operative Care

Following Adrenal Gland Surgery, post operative care is different for each person. Most patients stay two to three nights in hospital if the surgery is performed laparoscopically. If performed as open surgery the hospital stay could be up to a week.

Sutures are dissolving and buried, waterproof dressings can stay on for 10 days. A follow-up appointment is made for 3-4 weeks after surgery. You may eat and drink normally after a day or two.
 

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