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--

hour period to your doctor.

• Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep-vein blood clots.

> 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.