Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytomas in a boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
OBJECTIVE
In adults, increasing numbers of adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas are performed laparoscopically. We report for the first time laparoscopic bilateral subtotal adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease.


METHODS
In July 1998, an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for bilateral pheochromocytomas. The boy presented with severe hypertension and two pheochromocytomas on both sides.


RESULTS
The child could be solely treated with laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery. The procedure was completed as planned. There were absolutely no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperatively, catecholamine levels and hypertension went back to normal. At follow-up no residual tumor could be detected and no steroid replacement therapy was necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
In experienced hands, laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for pheochromocytomas is feasible and safe. Moreover, this minimal invasive approach represents an exceptional improvement in life quality, especially in children with von Hippel-Lindau disease since surgery will probably be necessary again and again in their future life.
Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria. christian.radmayr@uibk.ac.at
C
C
Radmayr
H
H
Neumann
G
G
Bartsch
R
R
Elsner
G
G
Janetschek
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000601:surgery*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006623:von Hippel-Lindau Disease / Q000150:complications*