Adrenalectomy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for adrenalectomy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Activity Restrictions
- •No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) for 4-6 weeks
- •No driving while taking opioid pain medication
- •Gradually increase activity based on comfort
Wound Care
- •Keep incision clean and dry
- •Watch for signs of infection: redness, warmth, drainage, fever
- •Do not pick at scabs or stitches
Adrenalectomy recovery, day by day
Wound Care
- Keep surgical dressing clean and dry
- Do not remove bandages unless instructed
- Watch for signs of excessive bleeding
Pain Management
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling (20 min on, 20 min off)
- Keep the surgical area elevated if possible
Activity
- Rest is essential today
- No driving for 24 hours after anesthesia
- Have someone help you at home
Movement
- Short walks to prevent blood clots
- Avoid lifting anything over 10 lbs
- Change positions every 1-2 hours
Wound Care
- Follow instructions for bandage changes
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Do not submerge in water (no baths, pools, hot tubs)
Diet
- Start with clear liquids, advance as tolerated
- Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation
- Stay well hydrated
Healing Progress
- Bruising and swelling should begin to improve
- Gradually increase activity as tolerated
- Continue wound care as instructed
Medication
- Transition from prescription to OTC pain relief as directed
- Complete any prescribed antibiotics
- Report any new symptoms to your doctor
Return to Normal
- Gradually resume normal activities
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Continue to monitor the incision site for changes
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
- •Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication
- •Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- •Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site (signs of infection)
- •Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Numbness or tingling that worsens
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Wound check
Verify incision is clean, dry, and healing properly
- Day 7
Transition to OTC pain meds
Prescription pain medication no longer needed
- Day 8
Lifting restrictions ease
Gradually resume normal lifting per surgeon guidance
- Day 14
Expected recovery
Resume normal activities as cleared by your surgeon
For clinics
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