CONTACT US
Fill the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WHAT IS AN ADRENALECTOMY?
An adrenalectomy is surgery to remove an adrenal gland. The two adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and make hormones that control blood pressure, salt and potassium balance, blood sugar and the stress response, including aldosterone, cortisol and adrenaline. Surgery is recommended when an adrenal tumor makes too much of a hormone, is large or growing, or may be cancer. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, most adrenal operations are done laparoscopically through a few small incisions.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Adrenal surgery at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal, whose practice includes adrenal and spleen operations. We work closely with your endocrinologist before and after surgery.
Most patients stay in the hospital one night after a laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
Before surgery, we review your hormone tests and CT or MRI scans to plan the safest approach.
WHY AN ADRENALECTOMY IS DONE
ALDOSTERONE-PRODUCING TUMOR
An adrenal adenoma that makes too much aldosterone (primary aldosteronism, or Conn syndrome) causes high blood pressure and low potassium. Removing it often lowers blood pressure and reduces the need for medicines.
CORTISOL-PRODUCING TUMOR
Too much cortisol from an adrenal tumor (Cushing syndrome) can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, weak bones and muscle weakness. Surgery can reverse many of these problems.
PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
This rare tumor releases adrenaline and can cause spells of very high blood pressure, a pounding heart, headaches and sweating. Patients take blood pressure medicine for one to two weeks before surgery to make the operation safe.
LARGE OR SUSPICIOUS TUMORS
Adrenal nodules are often found by chance on a CT scan. Surgery is usually recommended for tumors larger than about 4 centimeters, tumors that grow, or those that look like cancer on imaging. See all our general surgery services.
RISKS TO KNOW
Problems are uncommon. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby organs and, after surgical removal of a cortisol-producing tumor, a temporary need for steroid pills while the other adrenal gland recovers.
HOW THE SURGERY IS DONE
LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY
The standard approach. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes three or four small incisions in the side of the belly and uses a camera and fine surgical instruments to remove the gland. The operation usually takes two to three hours. Some adrenal operations can also be done with robotic surgery.
POSTERIOR (BACK) APPROACH
For some small tumors, the gland can be removed through small incisions in the back, without entering the abdomen. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits you.
OPEN ADRENALECTOMY
Very large tumors or those suspected to be cancer may need an open operation through a larger incision so the whole tumor can be removed safely.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You will have blood and urine tests to measure adrenal hormones and a CT or MRI scan. Some patients need medicines before surgery to control blood pressure or potassium. See our checklist for general surgery.
IN THE HOSPITAL
Your blood pressure, potassium and blood sugar are checked closely after surgery. Most patients walk the same day and go home after one night.
HORMONES AFTER SURGERY
Depending on the tumor, your blood pressure medicines may be reduced, or you may take steroid pills for a few weeks or months. Your endocrinologist will adjust these with you.
RECOVERY
The recovery time after laparoscopic surgery is short: most people return to normal activities in one to two weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about four weeks. Most people live normally with one adrenal gland.
OUR SURGEONS
Adrenalectomy at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal. You can also meet all our surgeons.
ADRENALECTOMY FAQS
Can you live a normal life with one adrenal gland?
Yes. The remaining adrenal gland makes enough hormones for normal life in almost all patients. Removing both glands is rare and requires lifelong hormone replacement.
How long does adrenal surgery take?
A laparoscopic adrenalectomy usually takes two to three hours. Large tumors or open surgery can take longer.
How long is recovery after an adrenalectomy?
Most patients go home after one night and return to normal activities in one to two weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits about four weeks.
Will my blood pressure improve after adrenal surgery?
For tumors that make aldosterone, cortisol or adrenaline, blood pressure often improves and many patients need fewer medicines. Some people still need some treatment, especially if they had high blood pressure for many years.
Does every adrenal nodule need surgery?
No. Most adrenal nodules found by chance are small, benign and do not make extra hormones. They are checked with hormone tests and follow-up imaging. Surgery is for tumors that make hormones, are large or growing, or look suspicious.
Does insurance cover an adrenalectomy?
Adrenal surgery is usually covered when it is medically necessary, but coverage depends on your plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I request an appointment for adrenal surgery in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: general surgery, surgical oncology.
