Contemporary surgical management of pheochromocytoma.
BACKGROUND
The availability of laparoscopic adrenalectomy led us to review our experience and management of adrenal and extraadrenal pheochromocytoma.


METHODS
Seventeen patients undergoing pheochromocytoma resection from January 1997 to August 2001 were categorized as open, laparoscopic, or laparoscopic assisted depending on the surgical approach. Hospital records were reviewed.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between the groups in patient age, weight or preoperative blockade. Operative times for open, laparoscopic, and laparoscopic assisted adrenalectomies were 202, 218, and 260 minutes, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 562 cc, 187 cc, and 925 cc. The average hospital length of stay was 6.2, 3.0, and 5.8 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic removal resulted in longer operative times than open, but less operative blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. The laparoscopic assisted approach did not save time nor did it lead to earlier discharge. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was comparable to the open approach, and is preferential in tumors less than 6 cm. An open approach remains our choice for larger or extraadrenal tumors.
Bentrem
David J
DJ
Department of Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Surgery, Galter Pavilion 10-105, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Pappas
Sam G
SG
Ahuja
Yogesh
Y
Murayama
Kenric M
KM
Angelos
Peter
P
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000601:surgery; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies