Adrenal Surgery
What is Adrenal Surgery?
Adrenal surgery, also known as adrenalectomy, is a procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands located above the kidneys. These glands produce vital hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress.
Surgery may be recommended when the adrenal glands develop tumours or abnormalities that cause hormone imbalances or pose a risk of malignancy. Depending on the condition, the procedure may involve removing the affected gland while preserving the healthy one.
Why is Adrenal Surgery Performed?
Adrenal surgery is typically recommended for the following conditions:
- Adrenal Tumours – benign or malignant growths that may disrupt hormone production.
- Pheochromocytoma – a rare tumour that causes excessive adrenaline production, leading to dangerously high blood pressure, headaches, and palpitations.
- Cushing’s Syndrome – caused by an adrenal tumour producing excess cortisol, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Aldosteronoma (Conn’s Syndrome) – a tumour producing too much aldosterone, resulting in high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
- Adrenal Cancer – malignant tumours that require prompt surgical removal.
Surgical treatment can help restore hormonal balance, relieve symptoms, and prevent further complications related to these disorders.
Preparing for Adrenal Surgery
To ensure the best outcome, patients will:
Obtain a referral to see Dr Christian Ibraheem.
Attend a detailed consultation, where Dr Ibraheem will review your medical history, discuss your condition, and explain the surgical approach.
Undergo diagnostic testing, including blood tests, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to accurately assess the adrenal glands.
Adjust medications as advised—some drugs may need to be paused before surgery.
Follow fasting instructions, avoiding food and drink for several hours prior to the procedure.
Dr Ibraheem will provide tailored pre-operative guidance to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience.
During Procedure
Performed under general anaesthesia.
Dr Ibraheem may use a minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approach, or an open technique depending on the tumour’s size, location, and nature.
The affected adrenal gland is carefully removed while preserving nearby organs and blood vessels.
The operation generally takes one to one and a half hours.
Minimally invasive techniques are preferred whenever possible, as they typically result in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
After Surgery and Recovery
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days, depending on recovery and the surgical approach used.
Mild discomfort is expected and can be managed with pain relief.
Hormone levels are closely monitored after surgery to ensure balance is restored.
Keep the incision site clean and dry to promote healing and prevent infection.
Dr Ibraheem will schedule follow-up appointments to review your recovery and determine whether hormone replacement therapy is needed.
With expert care and proper follow-up, most patients return to normal activity within a short period and experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Why Choose Dr Christian?
Selecting the right surgeon is a deeply personal choice, and with Dr Christian Ibraheem, you can feel confident you’ve made the right one. Australian-trained with advanced fellowships in both weight loss and general surgery, Dr Ibraheem combines exceptional technical expertise with genuine care for his patients.
Known for his open communication and tailored approach, he ensures every patient feels informed, supported, and fully involved in their treatment journey. Dr Ibraheem takes the time to understand each person’s goals and explains every option clearly so decisions are made with confidence.
With qualifications in both medicine and pharmaceutical science, he brings a well-rounded understanding to every procedure. Whether managing complex surgeries or routine treatments, his focus remains on safety, precision, and lasting wellbeing, helping his patients move forward with trust and peace of mind.
A healthier, happier you starts with a conversation
Whether you’re considering general surgery, weight loss surgery, or exploring non-surgical options, Dr Christian Ibraheem and his team take the time to understand your goals, assess your health, and guide you toward the most effective path forward.
Book your consultation today and take the first confident step toward lasting change.