Health Library

Your doctor will likely do some or all of the following:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT scan , MRI CT scan of the head, and nuclear scan
• Give certain medicines to determine why the adrenal gland is not working correctly

Let your doctor know which medications you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking or adjust the dose of certain medications, such as:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood-thinning medications
• Anti-platelet medication

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.
• The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• You may be given laxatives and/or an enema. These will clean out your intestines.

Your doctors may need to admit you to the hospital before your planned procedure if your blood pressure has not been well-controlled with medication. This will allow more aggressive treatment to stabilize your blood pressure. It will also ensure that you have enough fluid in your body to prevent blood pressure problems after the surgery is done.

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

You will likely be given IV fluids, antibiotics, and medications that depend on the condition that is being treated.

With the laparoscopic approach, the doctor will make 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen. A tiny camera will be passed through one of these openings. To allow a better view, the abdomen will be filled with gas. Other tools will be used to separate the adrenal gland from the kidney. The gland will then be removed through an incision. Stitches or staples will be used to close the incisions. Small bandages will be placed.

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 one week.

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

You will be monitored in the recovery room.

1½–3½ hours

You will have pain or soreness. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.

2-3 days

Recovery time may be 7-10 days. To help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Your doctor will monitor your steroid and hormone levels and make sure that you have the right dose of medicine.
• Weigh yourself daily. Report to your doctor any weight gain of two or more pounds over 24 hours. This may indicate that you are retaining fluid.
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• Increase your physical activity according to your doctor's instructions. This will help you avoid respiratory problems and improve the recovery of your digestive system.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions .