Robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
BACKGROUND
Remote robotic telemanipulators have been recently used in performing laparoscopic urologic procedures, both in the laboratory and in clinical practice. We present, to our knowledge, the initial 2 cases of robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy in humans.


METHODS
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (one right, one left) was performed in 2 patients with an adrenal tumor (one nonfunctional, one pheochromocytoma). Patient age was 81 and 47 years, and tumor size was 4.5 and 3 cm, respectively. Both cases were performed transperitoneally using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successful in both cases without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The operative time was 110 and 165 minutes, the blood loss was 50 and 100 mL, and the hospital stay was 2 and 3 days. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically feasible. With increasing experience and refinement in the technology, the role of robotics in urologic laparoscopy is likely to expand.
Desai
Mihir M
MM
Section of Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Gill
Inderbir S
IS
Kaouk
Jihad H
JH
Matin
Surena F
SF
Sung
Gyung Tak
GT
Bravo
Emmanuel L
EL
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*