[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. A retrospective comparison with traditional methods].
BACKGROUND
After 3 years from the introduction of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in an endocrine surgery unit the results are retrospectively compared with those achieved by traditional techniques with the aim of comparing the respective advantages.


METHODS
During this period 68 laparoscopic adrenalectomies have been performed. The main pre-, intra- e postoperative parameters of the adrenalectomies for benign neoplasm have been examined. Mean follow-up was 51 months (65.3 for open adrenalectomy and 18.8 for laparoscopic).


RESULTS
Statistical studies were homogeneous between the two groups. The laparoscopic adrenalectomy--with the same effectiveness--thanks to less peritoneum and parietal stress, is followed by fewer postoperative complications, faster resumption of biological functions, earlier return to work and better cosmetic results.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our personal experience laparoscopic adrenalectomy is to be considered the treatment of choice in the majority of adrenal benign neoplasms.
Bendinelli
C
C
Dipartimento di Chirurgia, Università degli Studi, Pisa.
Materazzi
G
G
Puccini
M
M
Iacconi
P
P
Buccianti
P
P
Miccoli
P
P
D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies