Adrenalectomy: Before Your Child's Surgery
What is an adrenalectomy?
Adrenalectomy is surgery to remove all or part of one or both
adrenal glands. The glands are above the kidneys. They make hormones
that affect nearly every organ in the body. These hormones include
adrenaline and cortisol. They do many things in the body. For
example, they help control blood pressure. They help the body deal
with stress. And they control the breakdown of fats and proteins in
the liver.
This surgery may be done to remove a tumor that is or isn't cancer.
It also may be done for people with Cushing's syndrome, a problem
that causes too much cortisol in the body. It may be done to remove
a tumor that makes too much adrenaline.
The surgery may be done through a single cut (incision). This is
called open surgery. Or your child may have laparoscopic surgery. To
do this, the doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other tools
through several small cuts.
If your child has laparoscopic surgery, your child may be able to
leave the hospital the next day. With open surgery, your child may
stay in the hospital for a few days or longer.
It may be a few weeks or more before your child can return to their
normal activities.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This
information will help you understand what you can expect. And it
will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.
Preparing for surgery
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Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements,
and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase
the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor
will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them
before the procedure and how soon to do it.
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The day before surgery
What happens on the day of surgery?
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Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop
eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled.
If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on
the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a
sip of water.
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Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should
bathe or shower before the surgery. Do not apply lotion or
deodorant.
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Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to
swallow any toothpaste or water.
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Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's
glasses or contact lens case.
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Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A
special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an
older child, it might be a book or music.
At the hospital or surgery center
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A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
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Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia
provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
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The surgery will take from 1 hour to a few hours.
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After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As
your child wakes up, the recovery staff will monitor your child's
condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
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You will probably be able to take your child home the day after a
laparoscopic surgery. For open surgery, the hospital stay will be
longer.
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: September 27, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
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