A retrospective study of laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism caused by unilateral adrenal hyperplasia

Objective

To evaluated the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism (PA) caused by unilateral adrenal hyperplasia (UAH).

Methods

One hundred and sixty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for UAH from January 2004 to December 2011 were entered in this retrospective analysis. Patients demographics, perioperative parameters, and follow-up results were recorded and analyzed statistically.

Results

All 164 cases suffered hypertension with biochemical evidence of hyperaldosteronism prior to operation. Hypokalemia was observed in 52/164 (37.14 %) patients. UAH was proved by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). All operations were completed successfully without any conversions or complications. Postoperative pathology confirmed that 164 cases were cortical nodular hyperplasia, of which 4 cases coexist with medullary hyperplasia and 7 with micro-adenoma. At the median follow-up of 48 months, hypertension was cured in 88 (53.7 %) patients, improved in 71 (43.3 %) patients, and refractory in 5 (3.05 %) patients. Hypokalemia and hyperaldosteronism were cured in all patients except re-elevation of blood pressure and plasma aldosterone in two patients 1 month after adrenalectomy.

Conclusions

As an underestimated subtype of PA, UAH is accepted gradually. Laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is nowadays the preferred approach to treat patients with PA caused by UAH. When adrenal venous sampling is not allowed, high-resolution MSCT is a reliable test for lateralization of aldosterone hypersecretion in carefully selected patients and 97 % had either cure or improvement in blood pressure control.