Surgery
Depending on the condition being treated, an adrenalectomy may be performed with a traditional incision or by using minimally-invasive techniques. If the surgery is being perfomed laparoscopically, the surgeon uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the skin. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon manipulates these instruments to perform the adrenalectomy.
Recovery
If laparoscopic surgery is performed, the small incisions are closed and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible. There will be three or four tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar. There will also be less risk of hernia development and less chronic pain resulting from nerve damage. In addition, the patient will have reduced postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a shorter recovery time leading to a quicker return to daily activities, including work. After the surgery, it is important to follow the doctors instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, the patient may need to take it easy for two to four weeks.
