What can I expect after adrenal gland surgery?

After laparoscopic adrenalectomy, patients may be discharged from the hospital as early as the day after surgery. Patients are usually able to eat the night of surgery. The overall recovery may take up to 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, after open adrenalectomy, the hospital stay may be 5 days to 2 weeks and oral intake (eating/drinking) may be delayed for 2 to 3 days. The overall recovery time may be significantly slower. Your surgeon will advise you on the appropriate time to return to normal activities. Patients with a larger incision will need to avoid heavy lifting (less than 10 lbs.) for a month to avoid hernia formation at the incision. Patients may shower shortly after surgery, but should avoid bathing (submerging the incision[s] in water) for three weeks. Typically, you will be asked to do no heavy lifting or vigorous activity for at least 4 weeks.