So, you've just received the news that you need an adrenalectomy. Perhaps you have a cortisol-producing tumor, an aldosterone-producing tumor, an adrenal carcinoma, or another adrenal disorder that requires surgery to be cured. It's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions and have a thousand questions running through your mind. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process.

At the Carling Adrenal Center, we understand the importance of finding the right adrenal surgeon and receiving the correct adrenal surgery for your disorder. Ensuring you receive the best possible treatment is our top priority.

I Need an Adrenalectomy, Now What?

In this article, we'll walk you through what an adrenalectomy is, how to find a skilled adrenal surgeon, and help you discover why Dr. Carling’s mini back scope adrenalectomy may be the best choice for you. Let's get started!

Understanding Adrenalectomy: What's It All About?

Okay, let's start from the beginning. An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove one or both adrenal glands. These little triangular-shaped glands sit on top of your kidneys and play a vital role in hormone production. Sometimes, tumors can develop in these glands, disrupting their function or becoming cancerous, and that's when an adrenalectomy comes into the picture.

Figure 1. The adrenal glands (arrows) are situated on top of the kidneys and produce hormones necessary for life.

In all cases of an adrenal tumor, surgery is the only definitive cure. Any medication or alternative treatment options will not treat the root cause of the issue – the adrenal tumor. It must be removed in order for you to be cured.

The Journey Begins: Finding the Right Surgeon for Your Adrenalectomy

When it comes to something as important as an adrenalectomy, you want to make sure you're in the best hands possible. So, how do you find a skilled surgeon? Well, the first step is research. Look for adrenal centers or hospitals known for their expertise in adrenal surgery. Take your time to read patient reviews, explore their success rates, and focus on finding a surgeon who specializes in adrenal surgery.

The truth is, most surgeons only see a handful of adrenal cases throughout their entire career. Over ninety percent of adrenal surgery is performed by surgeons who do four or fewer adrenal operations per year. NINETY PERCENT! Putting yourself in inexperienced hands for such a delicate and complex procedure is just too risky. Dr.  Carling performs adrenal surgery exclusively and is one of the world’s foremost experts on adrenal surgery and research. Whereas most surgeons see only one or two adrenal patients per year, Dr. Carling performs more than 500 adrenal operations every single year. There is nothing he hasn’t seen.

Figure 2. Dr. Carling (to the right) performs an adrenalectomy and teaches other surgeons via a microphone attached to his facemask.

Why Choose Dr. Carling for Your Adrenalectomy?

It’s not easy to find a surgeon who performs the revolutionary mini back scope adrenalectomy procedure. It is not really taught in surgical residency because no other surgeons see enough adrenal surgery cases to learn it.

Dr. Carling’s expertise, coupled with the advanced technology used in his mini back scope adrenalectomy, makes him a top choice for many patients needing adrenal surgery. Browse some distinguishing factors below:

• Minimally Invasive Marvels: Carling's signature mini back scope adrenalectomy procedure is minimally invasive, meaning the incisions are very small - usually less than an inch and only require a small Band-Aid. This results in reduced pain, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. Further, his mini back scope adrenalectomy procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete… and as we all know, the less time under anesthesia, the better!
• Picture-Perfect Precision: Imagine having a state-of-the-art mini scope (camera) providing your surgeon with a clear and magnified view of the surgical site. With Dr. Carling's technique, this becomes a reality. Enhanced visualization allows for precise tumor removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
• Speedy Recovery Time: Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, patients undergoing Dr. Carling's mini back scope adrenalectomy often experience shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to their normal activities. In fact, most patients return home the day after surgery and many return to work the following day. Some patients even return to running several miles the week after surgery – listen to a patient story on this!
• Cure Rates Worth Celebrating: Carling's experience and expertise have resulted in the highest cure rates on record. When it comes to something as crucial as your health, those numbers speak volumes.
• Complication Prevention: The minimally invasive approach reduces the risk of complications such as infections, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs, providing you with peace of mind throughout the process.

Let’s Get You Ready: Preparing for the Adrenalectomy

First, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Carling via phone or in person at our Tampa office. After you fill out the new patient form on our website, you’ll be contacted by Dr. Carling directly to discuss the details of your case and together you’ll decide if an adrenalectomy is right for you. This consultation allows him to assess your unique case, answer any and all questions you may have, and provide you with a detailed preoperative plan. If you choose to proceed with an adrenalectomy, you’ll be scheduled for surgery.

On the morning of surgery, you'll have a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Carling at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. Then, you’ll be taken back to the operating room. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up in post-op and beginning your healing journey. Oftentimes, blood pressure is already returning to normal in the post-op area and symptoms are beginning to be relieved.

The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery offers many perks that no other hospital has—for example, a beautifully appointed lobby with quiet rooms for working, private pre-operative bays, the ability for your loved one to stay with you right up until surgery, free meals for your loved one at the hospital, a streamlined process specifically designed or endocrine surgery, no other hospital patients other than those having endocrine surgery (meaning no Covid or ER patients), and more. Additionally, more than half of our patients travel from outside the state of Florida for adrenal surgery, so we are very well-versed in making the process seamless for our traveling patients. We are located in close proximity to Tampa International Airport and have five hotel partners nearby. Our hotel partners even offer a free shuttle service that will take patients to and from the airport and the hospital, so a rental car is not needed.

The Journey Continues: Adrenalectomy Recovery and Postoperative Care

Following your adrenalectomy, you'll embark on the road to recovery. While Dr. Carling's mini back scope adrenalectomy offers a faster and smoother recovery compared to other types of adrenal operations, it's important to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions.

Read hundreds of patient testimonials and hear directly from them how well they’ve recovered after surgery.

Summary

Facing an adrenalectomy can be overwhelming, but with the right support and expertise, you can navigate this journey with confidence. By finding a skilled surgeon, such as Dr. Carling, and considering the advantages of his mini back scope adrenalectomy, you can rest assured knowing you're in good hands. Remember, take your time to research, ask questions, and lean on the expertise of professionals who are dedicated to your well-being. You've got this!

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about the Carling Adrenal Center
• Learn more about Dr. Tobias Carling
• Learn more about our sister surgeons at the Norman Parathyroid Center, Clayman Thyroid Center and Scarless Thyroid Surgery Center
• Learn more about the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery