Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenocorticotropic dependent Cushing's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
We report our experience with bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for total adrenal ablation in patients with Cushing's syndrome.


METHODS
Four women (mean age 63 years) with Cushing's syndrome secondary to nonlocalized ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production in 3 and pituitary microadenoma after failed transsphenoidal ablation in 1 underwent bilateral transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Preoperatively risk was III or IV according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification.


RESULTS
In all cases bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully performed. Operative time ranged from 375 to 475 minutes (mean 404) and mean blood loss was 162 cc. All patients resumed oral intake on postoperative day 1, mean number of postoperative parentral narcotic doses was 2.25 and mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.75 days (range 3 to 8). Complications included an abdominal wall hematoma. All patients resumed baseline activity by postoperative day 14.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience in 4 cases of Cushing's syndrome suggests that bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective alternative to open adrenalectomy. Further experience with this technique will likely decrease operative time, and confirm the benefit of a decreased hospital stay and convalescence.
Ferrer
F A
FA
Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-3955, USA.
MacGillivray
D C
DC
Malchoff
C D
CD
Albala
D M
DM
Shichman
S J
SJ
D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000368:Aged; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone