Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy: our initial technical experience.
OBJECTIVE
We performed retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy using a homemade multi-access platform to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this technique and to share our initial experiences.


METHODS
Since March 2011, 40 patients underwent retroperitoneal LESS adrenalectomy. A single incision of 2.5-3 cm was made under the 12th rib on the midaxillary line on the affected side. Next, a homemade multi-access platform was inserted through that incision, and a combination of lengthened curved and conventional rigid instruments was used for handling. The procedure was performed mainly according to the procedure for conventional laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy.


RESULTS
For 1 patient with pheochromocytoma, one additional trocar was used because the peritoneum was damaged. Surgery was successfully completed in all other patients without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Retroperitoneal LESS adrenalectomy is feasible; although initial technical adjustments are inevitable, some useful techniques are effective in simplifying the procedure.
Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.
Yancheng
Y
Luo
Xiang
X
Chen
Zhi
Z
Chen
Yao
Y
He
Nannan
N
Li
Cheng
C
Lai
Chaoqun
C
Xie
D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061214:Patient Safety; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D016896:Treatment Outcome