Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is surgery to remove all or part of your adrenal gland. It is usually done when a small tumor is found on the gland. Small incisions are made in your abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through the incisions. A laparoscope is a long metal tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. The camera displays pictures of your adrenal glands on a monitor. The monitor is used to guide the surgery tools to the right place.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You suddenly feel lightheaded or have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain or pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• You feel full and cannot burp, vomit, or have a bowel movement.
• You have pain in your abdomen or shoulder area that does not go away or gets worse.
• You have pus or a foul odor coming from your surgery area.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your surgeon or endocrinologist if:

• You have new, worsening, or returning signs or symptoms.
• You have a fever.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Antibiotics help prevent or fight an infection caused by bacteria.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

How to bathe with stitches:

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on when you can bathe. Do not rub on the stitches to dry your skin. Pat the area gently with a clean towel. When the area is dry, put on a clean new bandage as directed.

Follow up with your surgeon or endocrinologist as directed:

You may need to have your stitches removed. You may also need blood tests to check your adrenal hormone levels. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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