Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal adrenalectomy using a homemade single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to evaluate laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy via the retroperitoneal approach using the Alexis wound retractor with standard laparoscopic instrumentation.


METHODS
Since October 2009, seven LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomies have been completed successfully with a homemade single port created using an Alexis wound retractor as an access platform through a 3-cm incision beneath the tip of the 12th rib.


RESULTS
All the LESS procedures for these seven patients with adrenal tumors (size, 1.3-6.0 cm; 4 right, 1 left) were completed successfully without traditional laparoscopic conversion or complication. The average operative time was 159 min, and the estimated blood loss was 100 ml. The average hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-3 days).


CONCLUSIONS
The preliminary results show that LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for functional adrenal tumors using standard laparoscopic instruments.
Chung
Shiu-Dong
SD
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Ban Ciao, Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
Chao-Yuan
CY
Wang
Shuo-Meng
SM
Tai
Huai-Ching
HC
Tsai
Yao-Chou
YC
Chueh
Shih-Chieh
SC
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004867:Equipment Design; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000601:surgery; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome