Partial laparoscopic adrenalectomy for aldosterone-producing adenoma: short-and long-term results.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic surgery for adrenal gland tumors is the gold standard operative approach now. Adrenal-sparing surgery has special indications. We demonstrated the safety and feasibility of performing adrenal-sparing surgery by means of laparoscopy for aldosterone-producing adenoma (Conn's syndrome).


METHODS
Between 1995 and 1999, seven patients with Conn's syndrome had laparoscopic adrenal-sparing resection of their tumors. These patients were followed up by means of radiology and biochemistry.


RESULTS
All seven patients had successful laparoscopic surgery without complications. Most patients were discharged in 2 to 6 days (mean 3 days). At follow-up, the six patients investigated had normal blood pressure. No recurrences have been encountered with a median follow-up of 12 months in these six patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Adrenal-sparing resection of tumors causing primary hyperaldosteronism is technically feasible by means of laparoscopy. This procedure has the advantage of keeping a greater reserve of normal adrenal tissue and of rapid postoperative recovery.
Al-Sobhi
S
S
Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Peschel
R
R
Bartsch
G
G
Gasser
R
R
Finkenstedt
G
G
Janetschek
G
G
D000236:Adenoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000209:etiology*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome