后腹腔镜技术治疗肾上腺肿瘤53例报告

Objectives To summarize the clinical experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor and facilitate the clinical application.Methods From June 2002 to October 2009,S3 caws of adrenal tumor were treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy,including 19 cases of primary aldosteronism,8 cases of Cushings syndrome,9 cases of pheochromocytoma,14 cases of nonfunctional adrenal adenoma,2 cases of adrenal cyst,1 case of adrenal paraganglioma.B ultrasound and CT/MRI were used to diagnose all patients.33 tumors were on the left side and 20 on the right.The size of the tumors ranged from 1.2 to 7.0cm(mean,2.2cm).Results 49 surgeries were successfully completed.4 surgeries converted to open surgeries.The mean of operating time was 92(56～220) min.The mean of estimated blood loss was 55 (20～300 ) ml.The mean of postoperative hospitalization was 7(4～12) days.There was no serious complication during perioperative period.Conclusions Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor is safe and effective with the advantages of minimal invasion,quick recovery and few complications.It should be considered as the first choice for treating benign adrenal diseases.     

后腹腔镜技术治疗肾上腺肿瘤53例报告

Objectives To summarize the clinical experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor and facilitate the clinical application.Methods From June 2002 to October 2009,S3 caws of adrenal tumor were treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy,including 19 cases of primary aldosteronism,8 cases of Cushings syndrome,9 cases of pheochromocytoma,14 cases of nonfunctional adrenal adenoma,2 cases of adrenal cyst,1 case of adrenal paraganglioma.B ultrasound and CT/MRI were used to diagnose all patients.33 tumors were on the left side and 20 on the right.The size of the tumors ranged from 1.2 to 7.0cm(mean,2.2cm).Results 49 surgeries were successfully completed.4 surgeries converted to open surgeries.The mean of operating time was 92(56～220) min.The mean of estimated blood loss was 55 (20～300 ) ml.The mean of postoperative hospitalization was 7(4～12) days.There was no serious complication during perioperative period.Conclusions Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor is safe and effective with the advantages of minimal invasion,quick recovery and few complications.It should be considered as the first choice for treating benign adrenal diseases.     

腹腔镜手术治疗原发性醛固酮增多症227例

Objective To evaluate clinical significance of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for treatment of primary aldosteronism.Methods From Jan.1999 to Dec.2009,227 patients(92 males and 135 females)with a confirmed diagnosis of primary aldosteronism underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy.The median age was 42years old,ranging from 22 to 69 years old.The median disease duration was 4.6 yeas,ranging from 2 months to 15 years.5 cases underwent peritoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and 222 cases underwent retropefitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.All cases had hypokalemia,hpertension,high plasma aldosterone and low plasma rennin preoperatively.Of all the cases,there were 205 cases with aldosterone-producing adenomas among whom 80 cases underwent total adrenalectomy and 125 cases underwent partial adrenalectomy.There were 22 cases with unilateral adrenal hyperplasia and all of them underwent total unilateral adrenalectomy.Results Procedures were successfully performed in all the 227 cases.The operation duration ranged from 15 to 156 min(39 min as the median)and the blood loss ranged from 5 to 220 ml(20 ml as the median).The hospitalization time ranged from 5 to 9 days (6.9±1.2 days as the median).All the cases were followed up from 6 months to 2 years(1.2 years as the median).Postoperative potassium level resumed normal in all cases.Blood pressure resumed normal in 180 cases(80%).No adrenocortieal insufficiency and any other complication occurred.Conclusion Retropreitoneal laparoscopic partial or total adrenalectomy for treatment of primary aldosteronism is a safe and feasible procedure.     

Superomedial pedicle reduction mammaplasty based on Würinger's horizontal septum

Objective To discuss the surgical techniques and efficacy of a new method of breast treatment of hypermastia. Methods From January 2009 to February 2011, a series of 15 patients underwent a new technique for reduction mammaplasty. This technique involved a superomedial pedicle nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Results In our series, the resection weight per breast was (522. 9±218.3) g and the new nipple-to-sternal-notch distance was (21.7± 1.74) cm postoperatively. Mean nipple elevation was 8. 5cm (range, 4-16 cm). There were no hematoma and partial or complete NAC necroses occurred in our series. Minimal wound dehiscence occurred in one case ( 6.7 % ). Thirteen patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months. NAC sensibilities were comparable before and after operation, and good breast shapes were produced in all cases. Conclusion The superomedial pedicle technique provides good results with respect to NAC viability and sensibility, breast contour and last superomedial fullness.     

Superomedial pedicle reduction mammaplasty based on Würinger's horizontal septum

Objective To discuss the surgical techniques and efficacy of a new method of breast treatment of hypermastia. Methods From January 2009 to February 2011, a series of 15 patients underwent a new technique for reduction mammaplasty. This technique involved a superomedial pedicle nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Results In our series, the resection weight per breast was (522. 9±218.3) g and the new nipple-to-sternal-notch distance was (21.7± 1.74) cm postoperatively. Mean nipple elevation was 8. 5cm (range, 4-16 cm). There were no hematoma and partial or complete NAC necroses occurred in our series. Minimal wound dehiscence occurred in one case ( 6.7 % ). Thirteen patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months. NAC sensibilities were comparable before and after operation, and good breast shapes were produced in all cases. Conclusion The superomedial pedicle technique provides good results with respect to NAC viability and sensibility, breast contour and last superomedial fullness.     

肾上腺偶发瘤128例临床分析

目的 提高肾上腺偶发瘤的早期诊断与鉴别诊断水平,指导临床治疗.方法 回顾性分析1996年3月至2010年3月在我院健康体检或因肾上腺以外疾病就诊而发现的128例肾上腺偶发瘤患者的资料.男60例,女68例.年龄20～75岁,平均50岁.肿瘤直径＜3 cm者63例,3～6cm者56例,＞6 cm者10例.128例患者均行血生化、电解质和肾上腺皮、髓质代谢检测及腹部超声、CT检查;6例行MRI检查.128例均行手术治疗.结果 128例术后病理诊断肾上腺皮质腺瘤85例,嗜铬细胞瘤13例,肾上腺囊肿8例,神经节瘤、髓样脂肪瘤各7例,肾上腺皮质结节状增生4例,肾上腺皮质癌2例,肾上腺皮质嗜酸细胞瘤、神经鞘瘤、肾上腺脂肪肉瘤各1例.其中1例嗜铬细胞瘤患者术中死于低血压休克,未计入总例数.结论 肾上腺偶发瘤术前定性诊断困难,对于直径＞6 cm及功能性偶发瘤应积极手术治疗.

Abstract：

Objective To improve the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas to guide clinical management of this disease. Methods One hundred and twenty-eight cases were diagnosed as adrenal incidentalomas due to health examination or treatment of other than adrenal disease,including 60 males and 68 females,whose ages were between 20 and 75 years,with a mean age of 50 years.Tumor diamer:＜3 cm 63 cases,3-6 cm 6 cases,＞6 cm 10 cases.128 patients all had biochemical and electrolyte examination,adrenal cortex and medulla biochemical testing,abdominal ultrasound and CT examination,6 cases with MRI examination.Surgery and post operative pathological examination were performed in all patients. Results Post operative pathology finally diagnosed adrenocortical adenoma in 85 cases,pheochromocytoma in 13 cases,adrenal cyst in 8 cases,paraganglioma and myeiolipoma in 7 eases respectively,adrenal nodular hyperplasia in 4 cases,adrenocortical carcinoma in 2 cases,adrenoconical oncocytoma,cellular Schwannoma and adrenal liposarcoma in 1 case,respectively.One case of pheochromocytoma patients died of intraoperative hypotension,which is not included in the total number. Conclusions The preperative diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas is difficult.For adrenal incidentalomas with diameter more than 6 cm and those with endocrine function,early surgicM treatment is recommended.     

指根部远近端蒂岛状皮瓣修复相邻两指指端缺损

Objective To introduce a new surgical procedure for repairing fingertip defects of two neighboring fingertips.Methods Seven cases of fingertip defects of two neighboring fingers were treated by transferring a proximal and a distal island flap harvested from the base of one of the involved fingers.The distal flap was transferred to repair defect of the same finger,while the proximal one was transferred to repair defect of the neighboring finger.There were defects of the index and middle fingers in 2 cases,defects of the middle and ring fingers in 4 cases,and defects of the ring and little fingers in 1 case.Finger pulp defect occurredins 8 digits,soft tissue defect distal to middle phalanx in 4 digits,and defect of ringer stump in 2 cases.Exoosure of the tendon,nerve or bone was seen in all cases.The size of the proximal flaps ranged from 1.2cm× 1.5 cm to 2.3 cm×1.5cm,while the size of distal flaps ranged from 1.0cm×1.0 cm to 1.5cm×1.0cm. Results All 14 flaps in the 7 cases survived completdy.One patient underwent secondary correction of crooked nail 6months after the fkap surgery.Postoperative follow-up rangea from 6 months to 18 months.All repaired fingers had satisfactory appearance and texture.Two-point discrimination was 8 to 12 mm.The good and excellent rate of finger function recovery was 95.7%according to the provisional functional assessment criterion for upper limbs issued by the Chinese Hand Surgery Society. Condusion The flap design of this procedure is based on the anatomical characteristics of communicating branches of the digital artery at the base of the finger.Two flaps from the base of the same finger are harvested to make full use of the harvestable area of the donor finger,and avoid damage to another finger.This procedure expands the applicable indications of finger base island flaps and is an ideal method to repair defects of neighboring fingers.     

指根部远近端蒂岛状皮瓣修复相邻两指指端缺损

Objective To introduce a new surgical procedure for repairing fingertip defects of two neighboring fingertips.Methods Seven cases of fingertip defects of two neighboring fingers were treated by transferring a proximal and a distal island flap harvested from the base of one of the involved fingers.The distal flap was transferred to repair defect of the same finger,while the proximal one was transferred to repair defect of the neighboring finger.There were defects of the index and middle fingers in 2 cases,defects of the middle and ring fingers in 4 cases,and defects of the ring and little fingers in 1 case.Finger pulp defect occurredins 8 digits,soft tissue defect distal to middle phalanx in 4 digits,and defect of ringer stump in 2 cases.Exoosure of the tendon,nerve or bone was seen in all cases.The size of the proximal flaps ranged from 1.2cm× 1.5 cm to 2.3 cm×1.5cm,while the size of distal flaps ranged from 1.0cm×1.0 cm to 1.5cm×1.0cm. Results All 14 flaps in the 7 cases survived completdy.One patient underwent secondary correction of crooked nail 6months after the fkap surgery.Postoperative follow-up rangea from 6 months to 18 months.All repaired fingers had satisfactory appearance and texture.Two-point discrimination was 8 to 12 mm.The good and excellent rate of finger function recovery was 95.7%according to the provisional functional assessment criterion for upper limbs issued by the Chinese Hand Surgery Society. Condusion The flap design of this procedure is based on the anatomical characteristics of communicating branches of the digital artery at the base of the finger.Two flaps from the base of the same finger are harvested to make full use of the harvestable area of the donor finger,and avoid damage to another finger.This procedure expands the applicable indications of finger base island flaps and is an ideal method to repair defects of neighboring fingers.     

Altemeier手术在嵌顿性直肠脱垂急诊处理中的应用

Objective To evaluate the perineal rectosigmoidectomy(Altemeier procedure) in the emergent management of acute incarcerated rectal prolapse. Methods Clinical and follow-up data of 9 patients with acute incarcerated rectal prolapse undergone Altemeier procedure were retrospectively analyzed. Results The mean operation time was 1.7 (range 1.0-1.5) hours. The mean total blood loss during surgery was 109 (50-200) ml. The mean time to the first bowel movements was 2.8(1-6) days after surgery. The hospital stay was 5.3 (3-10) days. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal infection, or urogenital dysfunction. One patient developed thrombosis in the mesorectum and one patient had symptoms of anal discomfort. After a mean follow-up of 3.5 (5 months-6.5 years) years, no patient had recurrent prolapse. Six months after operation, anal function was Kirwan grade Ⅰ in 8 cases and grade Ⅱ in 1 case. All the patients were satisfied with the result. Conclusion Altemeier procedure can result in good postoperative anal function when treating incarcerated rectal prolapse, which shonld be the first choice in emergency treatment.     

重度开放性Pilon骨折的治疗

Objective To discuss the operative methods, timing and outcomes of severe open Pilon fractures. Methods From April 2003 to July 2008, 21 patients with open Pilon fractures were admitted. All the patients were type C fracture according to AO/OTA classification, including 17 cases of type C2 and 4 cases of type C3. According to Gustilo classification, there were 18 cases of type Ⅱ, 2 cases of type ⅢA, 1 case of type ⅢB. The patients were treated in two different ways: one-stage minimally invasive osteosynthesis for reconstruction of the articular surface with transarticular external fixation of the ankle (19 cases),which included 16 cases of Gustilo Ⅱ AO/OTA C2, 2 cases of type Gustilo Ⅱ AO/OTA C3 and 1 case of type Gustilo ⅢA AO/OTA C2. Formal open reconstruction of the articular surface by plating and external fixation was performed when the condition of soft tissue had improved (2 cases), which included 1 cases of type Gustilo ⅢA AO/OTA C3 and 1 cases of type Gustilo Ⅲ B AO/OTA C3. Results All the patients were followed up from 6 to 48 months, with the mean of 24 months. The outcome of reduction was evaluated by the Burwell-Charnley score. Anatomical reduction was found in 6 cases, function reduction was in 14 cases and poor reduction was 1 case. The heal-time ranged from 2.5 to 11 months, with the mean of 4.7 months. The delayed union occurred in 2 cases. The rate of delayed union was 9.5%. Two patients experienced skin superficial necrosis. There were superficial infection in 2 cases and deep infection in 1 case. The infection rate was 14.3%. Eight cases experienced early traumatic arthritis. The incidence of this complication was 38.1%.According to American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale for ankle joint, the result of the treatment was 66-94, with an average of 85.2. Conclusion It is important to have the optimal timing of surgery and reliable fixation according to fracture classification, the condition of soft tissue and time after injury. It is the key to evaluate the condition of soft tissue and protect the blood supply.     

俯卧位背侧入路后腹腔镜肾上腺肿瘤切除术(附13例报告)

目的:探讨俯卧位背侧入路行后腹腔镜肾上腺肿瘤切除术的疗效及方法。方法:回顾分析2010年6月至2011年3月为13例患者行俯卧位经背侧入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术的临床资料。其中男9例,女4例,35～57岁,平均45.3岁。术前均行超声、CT或MRI等检查证实为肾上腺占位性病变。病变位于左侧7例,右侧6例。原发性醛固酮增多症8例,嗜铬细胞瘤4例,无功能腺瘤1例。肿瘤直径1.3～4.2 cm,平均2.4 cm。结果:13例均顺利完成手术。手术时间65～125 min,平均89.5 min;术中出血量20～80 ml,平均45.6 ml;术后住院5～8 d,平均6.6 d。围手术期无并发症发生。随访5～14个月,平均10.5个月,未见肿瘤复发及转移。结论:俯卧位背侧入路行后腹腔镜肾上腺肿瘤切除术安全可行。经背侧入路为腹腔镜手术入路提供了新的选择。     

Technique of anatomical retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy with report of 800 cases

PURPOSE: To our knowledge we introduce the technique of anatomical retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2000 to October 2005 anatomical retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 800 consecutive patients with adrenal lesions using a 3 port lateral retroperitoneal approach. After incising Gerota's fascia 3 relatively bloodless planes were entered consecutively to expose and separate the adrenal gland. When entering the first dissection plane between the perirenal fat and anterior renal fascia located at the superomedial side of the kidney, the adrenal could be identified at the initial stage of the operation. The following dissections proceeded in the plane between the posterior renal fascia and the lateral aspect of perirenal fat, and then in the avascular plane located on the parenchymal surface of the upper renal pole. The adrenal vein was dealt with at the final stage. Operative time was defined as the time from skin incision to skin closure. RESULTS: Mean +/- SE operative time was 45 +/- 19.1 minutes (range 25 to 230) and mean estimated blood loss was 25 +/- 10.6 ml (range 5 to 200). Average time to oral intake and ambulation were 1.2 and 1.0 day, respectively. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients (1.5%). Major complications and perioperative mortality were not observed. The procedures resulted in marked clinical improvements in patients with a hormone secreting tumor, except in 6 with idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe, effective, technically efficient procedure for surgical adrenal diseases.     

后腹腔镜八步法行巨大肾上腺肿瘤解剖性切除术

目的:介绍采用后腹腔镜八步法行巨大(直径≥5cm)肾上腺肿瘤解剖性切除术的手术技巧及临床效果。方法:2009年1月~2013年10月期间对34例巨大肾上腺肿瘤患者采用后腹腔镜八步法行巨大肾上腺肿瘤解剖性切除术:①清除腹膜外脂肪;②打开Gerota筋膜,游离肾脏背侧间隙;③游离肾脏腹侧间隙;④打断肾脏与肿瘤之间的连接;⑤游离肾上腺肿瘤膈面;⑥游离肾上腺肿瘤腹侧;⑦处理肾上腺肿瘤上极;⑧完整切除肿瘤。结果:34例腹腔镜手术全部完成,仅1例中转开放手术。肿瘤平均直径〔7.3±2.4(5.5~14.5)〕cm,平均手术时间〔89±44(30~185)〕min,术中平均估计出血量〔172±246(10~1000)〕ml。1例术中输血800ml,1例术后输血400ml;1例术后并发急性肺水肿,保守治疗后康复;术后平均恢复饮食时间为〔1.6±0.9(1~4)〕d,术后平均住院时间为〔6.3±2.6(3~14)〕d。结论:按照八步法行后腹腔镜巨大肾上腺肿瘤解剖性切除术,具有操作空间充分、层次清楚、视野清晰、手术成功率高、创伤小、出血少及并发症少等优点。后腹腔镜八步法巨大肾上腺肿瘤解剖性切除术安全可行。     

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy--results of 560 procedures in 520 patients

BACKGROUND: The posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is less popular than the laparoscopic transabdominal method. Due to the direct approach to the adrenal glands, however, the posterior retroperitoneal access is easy to use and may offer advantages not available with other endoscopic procedures for adrenalectomy. METHODS: Between July 1994 and March 2006, we performed 560 adrenalectomies (right side: n = 258; left side: n = 302) by the posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach in 520 patients (200 male, 320 female; age, 10 to 83 years). Of the 520 patients, 21 suffered from Cushing's disease, 499 patients had adrenal tumors (157 Conn's adenomas, 120 pheochromocytomas [13 bilateral], 110 Cushing's adenomas [6 bilateral], and 112 other tumors). Tumor size ranged from 0.5 to 10 cm (mean, 2.9 +/- 1.7 cm). The procedures were performed with the patients in the prone position usually with 3 trocars. RESULTS: Mortality was zero. Conversions to open or laparoscopic lateral surgery were necessary in 9 patients (1.7%). Major complications occurred in 1.3% of patients, minor complications in 14.4%. Mean operating time was 67 +/- 40 min and declined significantly (P < .001) from the early procedures (106 +/- 46 min) to the later operations (40 +/- 15 min). CONCLUSIONS: The posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and fast procedure. In experienced hands, this method represents the ideal approach in adrenal surgery.     

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy using ultrasonic scalpel for aldosterone-producing adenoma

BACKGROUND: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy has become a standard procedure, but removal of the entire gland is not necessary in all cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed 10 posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomies for aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) using an ultrasonic scalpel to divide the normal adrenal gland and the adenoma. RESULTS: The mean operation time and blood loss were 154 (110-231) minutes and 11 (5-32) mL, respectively. The mean weight of removed tissue was 5.7 g (2.3-10.2 g). Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in three patients, but there were no serious operative complications. CONCLUSION: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy using the ultrasonic scalpel may be a valuable treatment for typical solitary APA.     

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Bilateral Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report

We report a case of bilateral (2.4-cm left and 6.5-cm right) adrenal pheochromocytoma in a 27-year-old man that was treated by laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The patient had no evidence of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type II. The left adrenalectomy was performed first, with the patient in a semilateral position, and then the patient was turned before the procedure was begun on the right side. His postoperative convalescence was uneventful, and he continues corticosteroid replacement therapy. Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be a safe procedure for bilateral pheochromocytoma, if the patients are carefully selected and the procedures are performed by experienced laparoscopists.     

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors via a single large port

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is generally performed with carbon dioxide insufflation of the cavity and requires multiple trocars. This study reports the outcomes of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (RA) for adrenal tumors via a single port using a large cylinder without carbon dioxide insufflation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with adrenal tumors were treated using RA via a single large port. The average tumor size was 2.6 cm. For surgery, patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position with slight flexion, and a 4.5-cm skin incision was performed below the 12th rib in the midaxillary line. The retroperitoneal space was dissected using index fingers and a balloon dilator. A rectoscope tube with a 4-cm diameter was inserted, and the adrenal glands were removed endoscopically via the single large port without carbon dioxide insufflation. RESULTS: This procedure was completed in 53 patients (98.1%). The average duration of surgery was 203 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 252 mL. Four patients (7.4%) required blood transfusion. Postoperative major complications, including fulminant hepatitis and pulmonary thrombosis, were observed in two patients (3.7%), and the patient with hepatic disease died on the 14th postoperative day. The mortality rate after surgery thus was 1.9%. However, no local tumor recurrence or hormonal relapse has occurred at a median follow-up of 34 months. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure appears to be effective and relatively minimally invasive. However, it is limited by the narrow working space and restriction of the manipulation of instruments.     

后腹腔镜手术切除巨大肾上腺肿瘤

目的探讨后腹腔镜手术切除巨大（≥6cm）肾上腺肿瘤的可行性。方法2002年6月～2008年6月对30例直径≥6cm巨大肾上腺肿瘤行后腹腔镜切除手术。采用健侧卧位,用自制的气囊扩张后腹腔,分别在腋后线肋缘下、腋中线髂嵴上2cm及腋前线肋缘下穿刺,置入trocar。肿瘤切除后用标本袋取出肿瘤,留置引流管。结果30例后腹腔镜手术成功,无中转开放手术。平均手术时间100min（65～185min）,术中出血量平均80ml（50～250ml）。30例术后随访3～36个月,平均18.5月,无局部复发。结论对于无明显禁忌证的肿瘤,后腹腔镜手术切除巨大肾上腺肿瘤可行、安全,肿瘤直径并不是手术的决定性因素。     

Single access retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SARA)—one step beyond in endocrine surgery

Introduction  Today, endoscopic adrenalectomy has become a gold standard in endocrine surgery. Method and Results  To minimize the morbidity and improve cosmesis, a single access retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SARA) has been developed. Patients were placed in prone position. Through a single 1.5 cm skin incision at the tip of the 12th rib the creation of the retroperitoneal space and the dissection of the adrenal gland were performed. SARA was used in five patients with adrenal tumors (size: 1–4 cm; four right, one left). Operating time ranged from 35 to 70 min, mean blood loss was <10 ml. No perioperative or postoperative complications were noticed. Mean hospital stay was 2 days. Conclusions  SARA is feasible and represents a new horizon in endocrine surgery.     

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: lateral versus posterior approach

PURPOSE: We used a lateral or posterior approach to perform retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors and compared the results to determine which approach is more advantageous. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We removed 42 adrenal tumors from 42 patients by retroperitoneoscopic surgery. We used the posterior approach in 17 cases and the lateral approach in 25 cases. We compared the operating time, complications, and surgical advantages for the two approaches. RESULTS: The mean operating time was significantly shorter with the lateral approach, 141 +/- 64 minutes v 225 +/- 88 minutes for the posterior approach (P = 0.0019), which we believe reflects the technical advantages of the lateral approach. Complications included one case of pneumothorax and an instance of pulmonary edema in a patient with chronic renal failure using the lateral approach and one occurrence each of pneumothorax and bleeding using the posterior approach. Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy could not be performed in 1 of 25 cases (4.0%) using the lateral approach and in 3 of 17 cases (17.6%) using the posterior approach. CONCLUSION: Our series suggests that the lateral approach is preferable to the posterior approach for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy.