Adrenal Gland Removal Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

The adrenal glands are 2 small organs in the endocrine system that are located above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce several different hormones that help regulate functions like the immune system, blood sugar, blood pressure, metabolism, and more. A tumor on the adrenal glands, whether it is cancerous (malignant) or benign, can cause problems with the function of the adrenal gland and the production of hormones. The skillful surgeons at Arizona Premier Surgery offer laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients that can remove one or both of the adrenal glands with minimal incisions and a short recovery time. Patients with an adrenal disease like adrenal cancer or Cushing's syndrome can find relief with a total or partial adrenal gland removal.

Adrenal Cancer

A mass or tumor on one or both of the adrenal glands can cause an increase in the amount of hormones released to the body. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy is commonly used to remove one or both of the adrenal glands to prevent the cancer from spreading. Adrenal cancer may disrupt the production to phoecochromocytomas, aldosterone, and cortisol (causing Cushing's syndrome).

Using minimal incisions while the patient is under general anesthesia, the laparoscope will be inserted to view the adrenal glands. The surgeon will be able to remove the adrenal gland(s). The laparoscopic adrenalectomy leaves smaller scars, reduces recovery time, and decreases the risk of hernias developing after surgery compared to a traditional open adrenalectomy.

An adrenalectomy can be performed in about 2 hours as an out-patient procedure, so the patient will be able to leave the facility the same day as their surgery. Once home, most patients take about 2 weeks for recovery time before resuming regular activities and going to work. A follow up appointment will be scheduled with the doctor for 2 weeks after the surgery to examine the patient's health and the success of the surgery.

Is adrenal gland removal surgery painful?

Adrenal gland removal surgery (adrenalectomy) is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. Because the surgery is performed laparoscopically, the incisions are small, which means less pain at the incision site and a quicker healing time. Most patients will have only mild pain or discomfort at the incision sites after the surgery, which is easily controlled with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin.

What are the symptoms of an adrenal tumor?

Common symptoms of a tumor on the adrenal glands can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of weakness or fatigue
• Severe headaches
• Belly and/or back pain
• Muscle cramps
• Sexual dysfunction
• Unexplained weight loss/gain
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Irregular heartbeat, heart-pounding
• Frequent urination

What are the possible risks or complications from an adrenalectomy?

Every surgical procedure carries a small amount of risk, but risks are reduced with laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which is the type performed at Arizona Premier Surgery. Even so, our skilled surgeons will monitor your surgery and post-surgery recovery to prevent bleeding or blood clots, wound healing issues, infection, nearby organ damage, reactions to anesthesia, or hernia.

How long is the recovery time from an adrenalectomy?

Most patients will feel sore for a week or two post-surgery. The problems, symptoms, and overproduction of hormones caused by the tumor will go away almost immediately. Most will recover without complications in about 2 - 3 weeks. Your doctor will continue to monitor you for any signs of a cancer recurrence in case additional treatments are necessary.

If you have been diagnosed or suspect you may have an adrenal disease, schedule a consultation at Arizona Premier Surgery to learn more about the minimally invasive laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Find out if a total or partial removal of the adrenal glands is a good option to restore the balance of your hormones.