Before and After Adrenal Surgery | Medical College of Wisconsin
Before and After Adrenal Surgery
Prior to your clinic visit, you may need to undergo a series of tests to complete the workup for your adrenal disease. This will include a CT scan as well as blood work. Additional studies may be ordered depending on your type of adrenal disease.
Blood thinners: Please make sure you have discussed this with your physician or surgeon strong>before stopping these medications.
You may also be instructed to complete a gentle bowel prep to clean out your bowels prior to surgery. This should be done starting the day before surgery.
You should plan to stay overnight in the hospital at least one night. This surgery may require a multiple night stay. Please leave all valuables at home and wear comfortable clothing.
Steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone): The adrenal gland is responsible for secreting a steroid called cortisol. Cortisol is released by the body in response to stress. Steroids are sometimes needed after an adrenal gland is removed.
Blood Pressure Medications: Your blood pressure medications may be changed or stopped after your surgery. The removal of an adrenal gland may alter the hormones secreted by your adrenal gland that regulate blood pressure. You may not require the same amount of medication that you took before surgery.
Approximately 1-2 weeks following surgery, you will return to clinic to meet with your surgeon. At this time you will also meet with a nurse or nurse practitioner who will review instructions regarding caring for your wound and other post-operative issues. Your medications will be slowly adjusted; your surgeon, endocrinologist and primary care physician will manage this.
You should expect to return to work within 1-2 weeks. Typically recovery from surgery is short and pain is minimal. The most common complaint following surgery is fatigue, which usually resolves within a week or two. Some also experience generalized body aches and pains which resolve after a day or two.
You may resume your normal activities after surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting over 10 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery. You may feel more tired than usual which should resolve in a reasonable time after surgery. Light activity, like walking, is encouraged to help speed up recovery.
Typically, Steri-Strips are placed over the wound. These are small strips of white tape which help to protect the incision. The Steri-Strips should remain intact for about 7-10 days. The internal stitches are dissolvable.
You may shower 48 hours after surgery. We recommend that you leave the Steri-Strips intact while you shower and lightly dry them off with a towel when you are finished. You should avoid swimming, baths and hot tubs for at least 2 weeks following surgery.
Most scars will become soft, flat white lines over time. Depending on the type of surgery you have (laparoscopic or open), will determine which kind of scar you will have. This will be discussed in great detail with your surgeon at your pre-operative consultation.