title: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible for large adrenal masses>6 cm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the established procedure for adrenal masses less than 6 cm. The role of LA for large adrenal masses is well defined to a lesser extent.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six LAs were performed in 32 patients (including four patients with single stage bilateral adrenalectomies) over a period of 3 years, from May 2002 to 2005. Patients were divided into two groups based on the tumour size, i.e. masses less than 6 cm (group I) and masses 6 cm or more (group II).The results with respect to mean (95% confidence interval) operative time, blood loss, postoperative course and complications were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group II included 11 LAs performed in 10 patients including one bilateral LA for bilateral phaeochromocytomas in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A. The mean size (+/-standard deviation) of masses was 8 cm (+/-1.47). In comparison, 22 patients in group I underwent 25 adrenalectomies (including three bilateral single stage procedures for Cushing's syndrome). The mean size of masses was 4.1 cm (+/-1.27). There were eight and six phaeochromocytomas in groups I and II, respectively. By comparing groups I and II, only minimal increase in blood loss and operating time was noted with no significant difference in hospital stay and morbidity. Two cases required conversion to hand assistance towards the end of the procedure in view of their large size.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LA is the procedure of choice for small adrenal masses but is also feasible for large functioning and nonfunctioning adrenal masses with equally good results. Even bilateral large functioning tumours can be treated safely by LA in a single stage when sufficient experience with the procedure is attained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala, India. urology@aims.amrita.edu
authors.forename: H Sanjay
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: T Balagopal
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Sudhir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sukumar
authors.forename: C S Mohammed
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Saheed
authors.forename: Georgie
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.forename: P Ginil
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications