Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma: with caution.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is well described and many series include patients with phaeochromocytoma. Our aim was to establish whether laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma was a safe and feasible technique at our institution.


METHODS
Patients requiring adrenalectomy were entered into a prospective database that included patient details, operative data, hormone excretion, tumour size, hospital stay and complications. All operations were performed under the supervision of a single surgeon. Analysis was performed for those patients with a diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma.


RESULTS
Of 60 patients having laparoscopic adrenal surgery, 18 had phaeochromocytoma as the indication. Seventeen (89%) of 19 tumours in these 18 patients were successfully removed laparoscopically. Median operative time was 180 min (range 130-300 min) and this was significantly longer compared with other adrenal pathology. The median tumour size was 6 cm which was significantly larger than other adrenal tumours. Seven (38%) patients developed complications and median postoperative inpatient stay was 5 days (range 3-8 days).


CONCLUSIONS
The postoperative stay was equivalent to other laparoscopic series and laparoscopic removal was successful in 89%. The laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland in phaeochromocytoma is safe and effective treatment.
Thomson
Benjamin N J
BN
Hepatobiliary Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ben.thomson@petermac.org
Moulton
Carol-Anne
CA
Davies
Michael
M
Banting
Simon W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies