If one adrenal gland is taken during a nephrectomy does insufficiency become an automatic condition Can the other continue producing enough to keep patient from insufficienc?

Can adrenal insufficiency occur if one adrenal gland is removed during a nephrectomy?

It is possible for adrenal insufficiency to occur if one adrenal gland is removed during a nephrectomy, but it is not an automatic condition. The remaining adrenal gland may be able to produce enough hormones to keep the patient from experiencing insufficiency. However, the risk of adrenal insufficiency is higher if the patient has any other conditions that affect adrenal function, such as diabetes, Addison's disease, or Cushing's syndrome.

Factors that can affect the risk of adrenal insufficiency after a nephrectomy include:

- The patient's age: The risk of adrenal insufficiency is higher in older adults.

- The patient's overall health: The risk of adrenal insufficiency is higher in patients who are ill or have other medical conditions.

- The type of nephrectomy: The risk of adrenal insufficiency is higher after a radical nephrectomy, which involves removing the entire kidney and adrenal gland, than after a partial nephrectomy, which involves removing only part of the kidney.

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can include:

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Weight loss

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Low blood pressure

- Darkening of the skin

- Increased hair growth

If you experience any of these symptoms after a nephrectomy, it is important to see your doctor right away.

Treatment for adrenal insufficiency

Treatment for adrenal insufficiency involves taking medication to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands produce. The medication is usually taken in the form of pills or injections. Treatment for adrenal insufficiency is lifelong.