Adrenal Surgery
Advanced surgical care for adrenal disorders.
Robotic adrenal surgery focused on hormone balance and recovery.
Adrenal Surgery Overview
Adrenal surgery (adrenalectomy) removes one or both adrenal glands to treat adrenal tumors, hormone-producing adrenal conditions, or other disorders affecting adrenal gland function.
Surgery may be recommended when an adrenal condition causes abnormal hormone production, concerning imaging findings, or symptoms that affect your health. Our team reviews your diagnosis, hormone testing, imaging, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Adrenal tumors
- Adrenal masses
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Adrenal gland overactivity
- Hormone-producing adrenal conditions
- Adrenal lesions requiring surgical evaluation
When Surgery Is Recommended
Adrenal surgery may be recommended when:
- Imaging identifies adrenal growths or tumors
- Hormone-producing adrenal conditions develop
- Laboratory findings support adrenal dysfunction
- Symptoms affect overall health or daily activities
- Adrenal masses require surgical evaluation
- Surgical treatment becomes the preferred approach
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, adrenal treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, hormone evaluation, imaging findings, and treatment goals. When appropriate, robotic-assisted surgical techniques may be utilized to support minimally invasive treatment while maintaining a focus on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes. The Clarus Surgery team provides education, preparation guidance, and follow-up support throughout the surgical journey.
Have questions about adrenal surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Adrenal Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Plan for an overnight hospital stay.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge and stay with you through your first night at home.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Adrenal Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary abdominal soreness, fatigue, bloating, and mild discomfort are common during recovery and generally improve over time.
Hormone Replacement
Additional hormonal replacement may be discontinued or started immediately after surgery to balance hormonal needs. These will be closely managed by your endocrinologist.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
Hormone Management
Depending on the condition treated and the procedure performed, some patients may require additional monitoring or guidance regarding hormone levels following surgery. If hormone replacement is needed, your endocrinologist will coordinate both your short- and long-term care. Recommendations vary based on your individual needs.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent bleeding
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach Dr. Porterfield or one of his partners who is on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an adrenal surgeon?
An adrenal surgeon should evaluate all adrenal tumors greater than 1 cm. Surgery may be recommended for adrenal tumors, adrenal masses, hormone-producing adrenal conditions, or imaging findings requiring further evaluation. Dr. Porterfield and the Clarus Surgery team assess symptoms, laboratory studies, imaging findings, and treatment options to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
What conditions may require adrenal surgery?
Adrenal surgery may be considered for adrenal tumors, adrenal masses, hyperaldosteronism, hormone-producing adrenal conditions, or other disorders affecting adrenal gland function. Nearly all adrenal tumors larger than 4 cm are recommended for surgical removal by an experienced endocrine surgeon. Treatment recommendations vary based on diagnosis and surgical evaluation.
What is an adrenalectomy?
An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or both adrenal glands. When appropriate, Dr. Porterfield may utilize robotic-assisted surgical techniques to support minimally invasive treatment and recovery.
How long does recovery take after adrenal surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and the individual’s healing. Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and most patients gradually return to normal daily activities as recovery progresses. The Clarus Surgery team provides individualized recovery guidance before and after surgery.
Will hormone levels change after adrenal surgery?
Hormone management varies depending on the condition treated and the procedure performed. If hormone replacement is needed, Dr. Porterfield and your endocrinologist will coordinate your treatment, recovery, and follow-up care.
