Are the side effects of adrenal tumor removal surgery serious?

The severity of the sequelae of adrenal tumor resection surgery varies from person to person and may include hormone imbalance, infection, and blood pressure changes, but overall, most patients can significantly improve or avoid serious sequelae with proper treatment and conditioning. Depending on the specific situation, postoperative management is particularly important, including regular follow-up, adjustment of hormone levels, and a healthy lifestyle.

1. Hormone Imbalance

The adrenal glands are responsible for secreting a variety of important hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. Surgery may result in the removal of one adrenal gland or impaired function, which can cause hormonal disorders in the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, low blood pressure, or electrolyte imbalance. If both adrenal glands are completely removed, lifelong reliance on hormone replacement therapy is required, such as taking drugs such as hydrocortisone, aldosterone, or dexamethasone. After surgery, patients should have regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels, adjust medications as directed by their doctor, and avoid complications.

2 Risk of infection

Postoperative infection is one of the common complications, including infection of the surgical incision or intra-abdominal infection. After surgery, the incision should be closely observed for redness, swelling, exudation, or fever and other infection symptoms. If abnormalities occur, seek medical treatment in time. Doctors usually use antibiotics to prevent or treat infection depending on the situation. After surgery, patients should pay attention to keeping the incision clean and dry and avoid strenuous exercise to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Blood pressure changes

Adrenal tumor resection may affect the secretion of hormones that control blood pressure, and some patients may experience hypertension or hypotension after surgery. Postoperative hypertension is mostly due to the failure to remove hormones secreted by the tumor in a timely manner; hypotension may be related to impaired adrenal reserve function. For patients with hypertension, antihypertensive drugs such as beta-blockers can be used; hypotension requires fluid replacement and increased salt intake. In severe cases, hormone supplementation is required to maintain blood pressure stability.

4 Postoperative care and follow-up

The recovery period after surgery often takes several weeks to months, and physical conditioning during this period is particularly important. It is recommended to have a balanced diet and increase high-protein, high-quality fats and vitamin-rich foods. Appropriate exercise can help the body recover, but weight training or exercise with excessive abdominal pressure should be avoided. Imaging examinations should also be reviewed regularly, such as CT or MRI to evaluate the postoperative situation, and blood tests should be performed to test kidney function and hormone levels.

The sequelae of adrenalectomy need to be treated according to individual circumstances. Most problems can be effectively controlled or prevented through standardized treatment. If relevant symptoms occur, you should seek medical help in time and adjust your lifestyle after surgery to restore a good quality of life.