title: Technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
abstract: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy by the transperitoneal route has been shown to be a safe and effective approach to select adrenal pathology. Although the specific indications will continue to be refined, it is clear that for adrenal masses of 6 cm or less, laparoscopy provides excellent access with little additional risk to the patient. In addition there appears to be an improved postoperative course when compared with open adrenalectomy. This latter point, however, requires careful prospective studies to confirm this impression objectively. The operative times are longer by the laparoscopic approach, but undoubtedly these times will decrease with increasing experience and improved laparoscopic instrumentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Winfield
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Bravo
mesh_terms: D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged