title: Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours, as since it was described, the laparoscopic approach for adrenalectomy has become the 'gold standard' for small tumours and for large and non-malignant adrenal tumours many studies have reported acceptable results.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study from a general surgery department from January 2006 to December 2013 including 45 patients (56 laparoscopic adrenalectomies). We divided patients into two groups according to tumour size: <5 or ⩾5 cm, we compared demographic data and peri- and postoperative outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistical difference between the two groups for conversion rate (3.7% vs 11.7% P = 0.32), postoperative complications (14% vs 12%, P = 0.4), postoperative length of hospital stay (5 vs 6 days P = 0.43) or mortality (3.5% vs 0% P = 0.99). The only statistical difference was the operating time, at a mean (SD) 155 (60) vs 247 (71) min (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours needs more time but appears to be safe and feasible when performed by experienced surgeons.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco; Medical School, Mohammed the First University, Oujda, Morocco.
authors.forename: Badr
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Serji
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Amine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Souadka
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Amine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benkabbou
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Hajar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hachim
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Lamin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jaiteh
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Raouf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mohsine
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Lahcen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ifrine
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Abdelkader
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belkouchi
authors.affiliation: Surgery Department 'A', Ibn Sina Hospital, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco; Medical Centre of Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Study and Biostatistical, Clinical Research and Epidemiological Laboratory, Medical School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco; Abulcasis International University of Health Sciences, Abulcasis Medical School, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Hadj Omar
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: El Malki
keywords: ASA, American Society of Anesthesiology; Adrenalectomy; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; LA, laparoscopic adrenalectomy; Laparoscopy; Large tumour