Evaluation of the Increase in Serum Calcium Levels After Unilateral Adrenalectomy

Introduction This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of patients with elevated serum calcium due to adrenal insufficiency after unilateral adrenalectomy. Methods The study included 76 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy from January 2012 to November 2021 and did not have an additional etiologic factor for hypercalcemia, During the postoperative period, the highest calcium value in six months was taken into account as the postoperative value. Calcium values were corrected according to the albumin value. Results Of the 76 patients included in the study, serum calcium levels were higher in six patients (7.9%) after adrenalectomy. Unlike the others, a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and an increase in serum creatinine values were detected in the postoperative period in this patient group. In this patient group, the corrected calcium level detected an average increase of 1.3 mg/dL. Conclusion After unilateral adrenalectomy, hypercalcemia may occur due to adrenal insufficiency. It should also be considered that there may be a decrease in GFR and increased creatinine in these patients.