Health Encyclopedia

Adrenalectomy

Definition

Adrenalectomy is surgery to remove one or more adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and are located just above the kidneys.

Alternative Names

Adrenal gland removal; Removal of adrenal glands

How the test is performed

Adrenalectomy is a procedure that can be performed using traditional "open" surgery or less invasive laparascopic techniques. Laparoscopic procedures use smaller surgical cuts than open surgery.

For the surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a surgical cut in the abdomen and removes the adrenal gland through this opening. (The size and number of cuts depends on which surgical technique is used.)

The tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination.

How to prepare for the test

You should not eat or drink anything, even water, for 8 hours before the procedure.

How the test will feel

As with any minimally invasive surgery, there will be some discomfort after surgery.

Your health care provider may prescribe pain medications.
You may need stool softeners to avoid constipation.
Physical activities are encouraged to strengthen the abdominal wall muscles.

Complete recovery from the procedure may take 1 to 2 weeks.

Why the test is performed

This surgery is most often performed when there is an adrenal mass or a tumor (such as a pheochromocytoma).

Normal Values

This procedure is performed only when there is an abnormality (as identified by other testing).

What abnormal results mean

Pheochromocytoma (the most common adrenal tumor)
Other malignant tumors
Benign conditions such as adenoma
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II

What the risks are

There is a slight risk of infection or bleeding with any invasive procedure. Call your health care provider if you notice any signs of infection (such as fever, muscle aches, or drainage from the incision site) or bleeding.

Special considerations

It is important to have the procedure done at a center that is experienced in adrenal gland removal.

Review Date:10/24/2007
Reviewed By:Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor or Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.