Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy.
BACKGROUND
From November 1993 to May 2002 a total of 172 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were attempted in 152 patients in centers throughout the United Kingdom.


RESULTS
The median age was 52 years (18-77 years). Sixty-three percent were female. Indications for resection were Conn's syndrome (60), pheochromocytoma (35), Cushing's disease (24), Cushing's adenoma (8), cortisol-secreting carcinoma (1), other secreting tumor (2), nonfunctioning adenoma (17), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (4), metastatic disease (7), nonsecreting adrenal carcinoma (2), others (12). Median size of the lesions was 3.0 cm (0.5-20 cm). Median operating time was 65 min (30-170 min). Conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 10 patients (7%). Minor morbidity occurred in nine patients (5%). Major morbidity occurred in two patients (pancreatitis, peritonitis). Median hospital stay was 3 days (1-16 days). At median follow-up of 36 months (1-105 months) five patients (4%) had persistent hypertension. No patient had evidence of recurrent hormonal excess.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic removal of the adrenal gland should be considered the surgical procedure of choice in experienced minimally invasive centers.
Ward 60, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ, United Kingdom. coboy@globalnet.co.uk
C J
CJ
O'Boyle
C R
CR
Kapadia
P C
PC
Sedman
W A
WA
Brough
C M S
CM
Royston
D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000601:surgery; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology