[Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: initial experience].
OBJECTIVE
Since the first published report in 1992, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been widespread and it is now accepted as the standard treatment option in most of benign diseases of the adrenal gland. Aim of the present study is to describe our initial experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy.


METHODS
Between May 2001 and December 2005, 15 patients were submitted to laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign diseases of the adrenal gland. We analyzed patients characteristics (sex, age, initial diagnosis), operative and perioperative results (operative time, blood loss, time to first oral intake) and complications.


RESULTS
Mean operative time was 143 minutes. Blood loss was minimal. Mean hospital stay was 90 hours. There was no need for open conversion and complication rate was low.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic surgery of the adrenal gland is a safe and effective option which offers quality of life benefits to the patients.
Palacios
Alberto
A
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Geral de Santo António, Porto, Portugal. aphmmx5@hotmail.com
Lima
Estêvão
E
Massó
Pedro
P
Versos
Rui
R
Autorino
Ricardo
R
Ramos
Miguel
M
Soares
José
J
Marcelo
Filinto
F
D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010537:Peritoneum; D012189:Retrospective Studies