[Endoscopic posterior adrenalectomy; results of 100 procedures in University Medical Center Utrecht].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the results of 100 endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomies performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.


METHODS
Descriptive, retrospective.


METHODS
In the period August 1997-March 2008 100 endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomies were performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht. Data were collected retrospectively on patients, operations, complications and course following the procedure.


RESULTS
In this period 88 unilateral and 6 bilateral EPRA procedures were performed in 94 patients. The most common indications for unilateral EPRA were pheochromocytoma (33), Cushing's syndrome (16) and Conn's syndrome (20). Preoperative diagnosis involved clinical examination, hormonal analysis and radiological imaging. Mean operative time was 110 min and showed a clear learning curve. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 30 ml. The median size of the lesions was 2.8 cm (range: 0.4-7.5). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 2 patients. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients, of which 2 were severe and 5 were mild. Surgical reintervention was required in 1 patient. Median postoperative stay was 3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
In experienced hands endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for adrenal gland lesions.
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Afd. Chirurgie, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Jennifer M J
JM
Schreinemakers
Geraldiene J
GJ
Kiela
Menno R
MR
Vriens
René M J
RM
Wiezer
Arthur A Hoynck
AA
van Papendrecht
Gerlof D
GD
Valk
Inne H M Borel
IH
Rinkes
D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult