Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Conn's syndrome, Cushing's disease, cortisol-producing adenomas, and nonfunctioning adenomas has been well established. This study was intended to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, and to assess the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive approach. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma over a 5-year period. Results: In this study, 39 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic resection of a pheochromocytoma: 38 adrenal (23 left, 15 right) and 1 extraadrenal paraganglioma. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 2-12.1 cm). Average operative time was 159 min (range, 100-265 min), and average estimated blood loss was 72 ml (range, 30-350 ml). Intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 170 mmHg) occurred in 67% of the patients, and hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) in 39% of the patients. The mean length of stay was 2.1 days (range, 1-4 days). There were three minor postoperative complications. During a mean follow-up period of 14 months, there were no mortalities or recurrences of endocrinopathy. Conclusions: Laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas can be accomplished safely despite frequent episodes of hemodynamic variability equal to those of historic open control subjects. A short hospital stay with expedient recovery,minimal wound complications, and lack of endocrinopathy recurrence makes a minimally invasive approach the procedure of choice for the management of pheochromoctyoma.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytoma

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal pheochromocytomas as although the safety and efficacy for small pheochromocytomas is relatively well documented its use for large pheochromocytomas is controversial because of a perceived increased risk of malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All pheochromocytomas (>8 cm) managed prospectively using a laparoscopic approach between January 2002 and April 2006 were included. Blood loss, operative duration, complications, and hospital stay were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 11 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytomas. The adrenal sizes were 8-15 cm. The mean blood loss was <100 mL, the mean operative duration was 145 min and the mean postoperative stay was 3.6 days. Only one patient had an intraoperative hypertensive crisis, and recovery was uneventful in all. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal, lateral adrenalectomy is safe and efficient means of resecting large (>8 cm) adrenal pheochromocytomas. Although intraoperative catecholamine surges are a cause of major concern, early clipping and dividing of the adrenal vein helps to avoid a catecholamine-induced hypertensive crisis.     

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery for primary aldosteronoma and Cushing's syndrome is well established. We report on our experiences with laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, and assess the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic approach. METHODS: Between April 1998 and April 2003, a total of 23 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma at Chiba University Hospital and Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Japan. We compared the surgical outcomes of these patients with those of 106 patients with adrenal tumors due to other pathologies who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the same period. RESULTS: The mean tumor size of pheochromocytoma was 4.96 cm. Mean operative time was 192.7 min, and mean estimated blood loss was 130 mL. Neither mean operative time nor mean estimated blood loss was greater for patients with pheochromocytoma. Intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg) occurred in 39.1% (9/23) of patients with pheochromocytoma. During the follow-up period, there were no mortalities or recurrences of endocrinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is a safe and minimally invasive procedure.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: morbidity compared with adrenalectomy for tumors of other pathology

PURPOSE: We report our experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in nine patients with pheochromocytoma and compare the morbidity with that of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for tumors of other pathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and November 1999, nine patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma via a transperitoneal approach. Of the patients, eight had solitary tumors, and one presented with bilateral pheochromocytomas. The mean size of the tumors was 5.4 cm. The surgical outcomes of the 9 patients were compared with those of 28 patients with adrenal tumors of other pathology (primary aldosteronism in 15 patients, Cushing syndrome in 6, and nonfunctioning adenoma in 7) who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the same period. The mean size of the adrenal tumors of other pathology was 2.4 cm. RESULTS: In eight of the nine patients with pheochromocytoma, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successful. The procedure was converted to open surgery in the patient with bilateral tumors because of uncontrollable hemorrhage. A hypertensive crisis with the systolic blood pressure >200 mm Hg occurred in 6 patients (67%), but the episode could be controlled by temporary discontinuation of tumor manipulation, administration of drugs, or both. In adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, the mean operative time was longer (199 v 177 minutes) and the mean estimated blood loss was greater (360 v 54 mL) than for tumors of other pathology. Blood transfusion was given to two patients with pheochromocytoma but to no patient with tumors of other pathology. The patients with adrenal tumors of other pathology could resume normal activity earlier (mean 18 v 26 days) than those with pheochromocytoma. CONCLUSION: The operation is more difficult and the morbidity is higher in laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma than that for tumors of other pathology. An experienced team of surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills and anesthesiologists is mandatory. In large tumors, great caution should be taken for intraoperative complications. Nevertheless, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is not contraindicated for pheochromocytoma and can be performed safely.     

腹腔镜切除5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的安全性分析

目的 探讨5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤腹腔镜切除术的安全性. 方法 2001年1月至2007年6月在北京大学第一医院泌尿外科行肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除的连续79例患者中肿瘤最大径5～10 cm者共41例,回顾分析其临床资料.腹腔镜组11例(其中2例中转开放,数据分析时排除在外),开放手术组30例.应用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验对两组患者的临床资料及围手术期数据进行分析. 结果 两组患者年龄、肿瘤最大径、术前最高收缩压及舒张压、术前心率、血儿茶酚胺水平的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).腹腔镜组均经腹膜后途径.开放手术组经腹腔途径11例,经腹膜后途径19例.两组患者手术时间分别为(132±54)min和(178±64)min;术中出血量分别为100 ml(0～800 m1)和450 ml(0～9500 ml);术后住院时间分别为(7±2)d和(9±4)d,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).腹腔镜组术中均未输血,开放手术组术中输血量的中位值为225 ml(0～3800 ml).2组患者术中最高血压、最低血压、最快心率、最慢心率、收缩压增加基础血压30%的次数、收缩压≥200 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)次数、收缩压≤90 mm Hg次数、心率≥110次/min次数、心率≤50次/min次数的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).两组患者引流量、拔管时间、住ICU时间、术后开始进食时间、住院费用差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 腹腔镜切除5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、术后住院日较开放手术有优势,且术中血压、心率波动等指标不高于开放手术.因此,5～10 cm的肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤不是腹腔镜的绝对禁忌,经验丰富的术者可以考虑开展腹腔镜手术切除较大肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤.     

Iatrogenic pheochromocytomatosis: a previously unreported result of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is now regarded as the procedure of choice for treatment of small or benign adrenal tumors, including pheochromocytoma. However, long-term outcomes have not been critically assessed. We report here 3 cases of pheochromocytomatosis recurring 3 to 4 years after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We postulate laparoscopic-induced seeding of tumor as the mechanism of recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 3 patients with documented biochemical and radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine evidence of recurrent pheochromocytoma after prior presumed curative laparoscopic adrenalectomy. RESULTS: Original pheochromocytomas were 5.5 to 6.5 cm in diameter. At the time of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, tumors were not believed to be malignant, based on clinical or histopathologic data. However, on 3- to 4-year follow-up, each patient developed symptoms, elevated urinary catecholamine levels, and metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging consistent with recurrence. At reoperation, multiple small tumor nodules were found in the adrenal bed near the site of the initial laparoscopic resection. The original operative notes suggested some possible method of local seeding: tumor fragmentation and spillage or excessive tumor manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: Pheochromocytoma recurrence may occur as a result of local spillage of tumor during laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The relative risk of recurrence between open and laparoscopic resection needs to be assessed. Long-term follow-up will continue to be important, regardless of operative approach.     

Bilateral laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in three children

Background: This study focuses on the clinical presentation, surgical technique, and results of bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in three girls aged 6, 13, and 14. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included two girls with bilateral tumors (pheochromocytomas in one case, recurrent leiomyosarcomas in the other case) and a girl with micronodular hyperplasia associated with Cushing's syndrome. Results: Six transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed with no conversions. The average operative time was 137 minutes (range 125-148); the mean estimated blood loss was 75 mL; the mean size of the adrenal lesions was 8 cm (range, 0.5-9); and the mean length of hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-4). Resolution of clinical and biochemical parameters of adrenal hyperfunction was accomplished in the patients with adrenocortical hyperplasia and pheochromocytoma. No tumor recurrence has been so far found in the case of the leiomyosarcomas. Conclusion: Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively with a shorter hospital stay, minimal blood loss, and excellent functional outcome in the pediatric population.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Advances in minimally invasive surgery have made it possible to remove solid organs such as the adrenal gland laparoscopically. Several studies have shown that when applied to appropriate operative candidates, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe alternative to conventional open surgery with real advantages in terms of decreasing postoperative pain and length of hospital stay and allowing earlier return to normal activity. The indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy are essentially the same as those described for open adrenalectomy. We do not recommend laparoscopic adrenalectomy for known primary or metastatic malignant tumors of the adrenal glands, because of the risk of tumor implantation that might compromise the patient's chance for cure, nor do we recommend it for lesions larger than 6 to 8 cm where the chance of malignancy is high. The preoperative preparation, laparoscopic instruments, operative techniques, and potential complications and their treatments are described in this review. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is becoming the preferred method of surgically treating many adrenal problems. Although conventional surgical approaches will undoubtedly be required to treat certain adrenal lesions, surgeons with an interest in treating patients with adrenal disorders must become proficient in the technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This will allow them to select the most appropriate operative approach for their patients' individual problems.     

Safety of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Patients with Large Pheochromocytomas: A Single Institution Review

Background Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the procedure of choice for small adrenal tumors, but some concerns have been voiced when this approach is adopted for larger tumors and pheochromocytomas. The aim of this study was to examine the results of the laparoscopic resection of large pheochromocytomas. Methods A retrospective review of adrenalectomies performed for adrenal pheochromocytomas >6 cm in diameter. We compiled and analyzed the early operative complications, histologic findings, and cure rates with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after surgery. Results From 1996 to 2005, a total of 445 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in our institution using the anterolateral transperitoneal approach. From this series we identified 18 procedures for pheochromocytomas with an average diameter on imaging of 78.2 mm (range 60–130 mm). All patients were rendered safe with a standard departmental protocol involving calcium-channel blockade initiated at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. The average peak intraoperative blood pressure was 187 mmHg. Capsular disruption occurred in two cases. One patient required an intraoperative blood transfusion due to intraoperative blood loss. No immediate conversions to an open procedure were required, but one patient underwent a delayed laparotomy for hematoma formation. Histologically, four of the adrenal tumors displayed evidence of vascular invasion. Biochemical cure was achieved in all patients after a median follow-up of 58 months (16–122 months). Conclusions Laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective approach for large pheochromocytomas when no preoperative or intraoperative evidence of local invasion is present. Paper Presented at the ISW Congress.     

Indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy for non-functional adrenal tumor with hypertension: Usefulness of adrenocortical scintigraphy

AIM: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is currently indicated for biochemically and clinically functional adrenal tumors and potentially malignant tumors of the adrenal glands. Non-functional adenomas greater than 5 cm in diameter of the adrenal gland are generally considered to represent potentially malignant tumors. The present study shows indications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for non-functional adrenal tumors with hypertension in a retrospective fashion. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2004, 110 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed at Tokushima University Hospital. All 110 patients underwent detailed endocrinological examination before surgery. Medical and operative records of these 110 patients (57 men, 53 women), including operative parameters, histopathological findings and pre- and postoperative hypertension, were reviewed. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for non-functional adrenal tumors, and [(131)I]6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol (NP-59) scintigraphy was performed for patients with preoperative hypertension. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 55.0 years (range, 22-77 years). Mean maximum tumor diameter was 42 mm (range, 20-105 mm). All adrenal tumors were removed successfully by laparoscopic surgery. Hypertension was postoperatively improved in seven of the 11 patients with preoperative hypertension, without subclinical Cushing syndrome. Importantly, all patients who improved hypertension after adrenalectomy displayed strong accumulation in adrenal tumors with visualization of the contralateral gland on NP-59 scintigraphy. Conversely, blood pressure did not improve in four patients for whom scintigraphy yielded negative results. CONCLUSIONS: The indication of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for non-functional adrenal tumors is generally considered for lesions more than 5 cm diameter. However, the present study suggests that laparoscopic surgery should be considered even in patients with tumors less than 5 cm in diameter, if both hypertension and accumulation in tumors on NP-59 scintigraphy are present.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumors

AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze indications and results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumors (> 6 cm). METHODS: It is a retrospective study including patients between January 1994 and December 2003 operated on for large adrenal lesions > or =6 cm. The size was given by the pathologist. All the patients had a flank transperitoneal approach. Analysed Parameters were: operative difficulties; operative time; conversion rate; postoperative morbidity, follow-up and histologic data. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (10 female and 4 male) were included. Mean age at the time of the diagnosis was 52 years (range: 17-79). Mean size of the lesions was 7 cm (range: 6-10 cm). Mean operative time was 132 mn (range: 120-240 mn). None of the patients experienced surgical complications. Two conversions were needed (for vena cava attachments in one case and because of a retrocava localization in the other case). Three patients had morbidity: one intraperitoneal hemorrhage occurring at the second postoperative day and needing laparotomy; one left pneumopathy; and one case of neuralgia due to a port insertion. Mean hospital stay was 4,5 days. Histologic data showed: five ganglioneuromas, three pheochromocytomas, three adenomas, two adrenocortical carcinomas, and one postpancreatitis cytosteatonecrosis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible for large lesions > or =6 cm when no evidence of malignity is demonstrated neither by the preoperative imaging study nor by the surgical exploration.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard technique for the surgical removal of the adrenal gland for functional adrenal tumors including aldosteronoma, glucocorticoid, and androgen/estrogen-producing adenomas. Many laparoscopic surgeons also think that for small to moderately sized pheochromocytomas, the laparoscopic approach is as safe and effective as the open technique. Several physiologic considerations specific to pheochromocytoma must be addressed before and during surgery regardless of the operative approach. The advantages of laparoscopic adrenalectomy over open adrenalectomy remain the same for pheochromocytomas as for other pathologic conditions of the adrenal gland. These include a shorter length of stay, a decrease in postoperative pain, a shorter time to return to preoperative activity level, and improved cosmesis.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignancy

The superiority of the minimally invasive approach to adrenal resections has been well documented for benign pathology. With technical advances and increased experience, surgeons have successfully performed laparoscopic adrenalectomies for metastatic and primary malignancies of the adrenal gland. The technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy as it pertains to malignant lesions is presented. A review of the literature demonstrates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastatic colorectal, lung, and renal tumors. For primary adrenal malignancies, radical resections can be effectively performed laparoscopically; however, continued long-term follow-up is needed to establish the minimally invasive technique as the preferred approach.     

Is the laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma the best treatment?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for removing adrenal masses, but several authors still debate the role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in pheochromocytoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas and to compare the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for neoplasms that are smaller than 6 cm versus those that are larger than 6 cm. METHODS: From January 1990 to December 2005, the same team in our department carried out 221 adrenalectomies in 211 patients. A total of 64 of these patients underwent 71 adrenalectomies for pheochromocytoma, 24 patients (37%) had open adrenalectomy, and 40 patients (63%) had laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Sex, age, side and size of lesion, operating time, duration of hospital stay, need for intensive care, intraoperative blood pressure variations, blood loss, postoperative analgesia, return to oral nutrition, and complications were compared among groups. RESULTS: An advantage of laparoscopic adrenalectomy over open adrenalectomy was observed in mean operating time, hospital stay, need for intensive care, intraoperative hypertension, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative analgesia, and return to oral nutrition (P 6 cm) in laparoscopic adrenalectomy showed that none of the variables differed significantly, except for intraoperative blood loss, which was greater for the larger neoplasms (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, is preferable to open adrenalectomy for the majority of pheochromocytomas, and as long as there is no evidence of invasion of surrounding structures, tumor size does not appear to have a profound effect on surgical outcome.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: lessons learned from 100 consecutive procedures.

One hundred consecutive laparoscopic adrenal procedures for a variety of endocrine disorders were reviewed. There was no mortality, morbidity was 12%, and conversions was 3%. During follow-up, none had recurrence of hormonal excess. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the procedure of choice for adrenal removal except in carcinoma or masses > 15 cm. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a variety of endocrine disorders. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Since the first laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 1992, this approach quickly has been adopted, and increasing numbers are being reported. However, the follow-up period has been too short to evaluate the completeness of these operations. METHODS: One hundred consecutive laparoscopic adrenal procedures from January 1992 until November 1996 were reviewed and followed for adequacy of resection. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients underwent 97 adrenalectomies and biopsies. The mean age was 46 years (range, 17-84 years). Indications were pheochromocytomas (n = 25), aldosterone-producing adenomas (n = 21), nonfunctional adenomas (n = 20), cortisol-producing adenomas (n = 13), Cushing's disease (n = 8), and others (n = 13). Fifty-five patients had previous abdominal surgery. Mean operative time was 123 minutes (range, 80-360 minutes), and estimated blood loss was 70 mL (range, 20-1300 mL). There was no mortality, and morbidity was encountered in 12% of patients, including three patients in whom venous thrombosis developed with two sustaining pulmonary emboli. During pheochromocytoma removal, hypertension occurred in 56% of patients and hypotension in 52%. There were three conversions to open surgery. The average length of stay has decreased from 3 days (range, 2-19 days) in the first 3 years to 2.4 days (range, 1-6 days) over the past 16 months. During follow-up (range, 1-44 months), two patients had renovascular hypertension and none had recurrence of hormonal excess. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe, effective, and decreases hospital stay and wound complications. Prior abdominal surgery is not a contraindication. Pheochromocytomas can be resected safely laparoscopically despite blood pressure variations. Venous thrombosis prophylaxis is mandatory. The laparoscopic approach is the procedure of choice for adrenalectomy except in the case of invasive carcinoma or masses > 15 cm.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy remains a controversial procedure for large tumors. We examined the outcome and complications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for such lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 178 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy, of whom 29 patients had large (>or =5 cm) tumors. Their mean age was 47.9 years (range 21-72 years), and the mean tumor size was 6.5 cm (range 5.0-11.0 cm). They were compared with patients whose adrenal tumors were <5 cm. RESULTS: The large-tumor group had a mean operating time of 176 +/- 48 minutes (range 84-278 minutes) and a mean blood loss of 136.6 mL (range 10-800 mL) and required a mean of 1.8 days before starting oral intake. None of these values is significantly different from the results in the control group (P > 0.05). The length of recovery was significantly longer in the large-tumor group (5.4 v 4.5 days; P < 0.05), but this was not true if a patient with a 23-day postoperative stay is excluded. The overall incidence of complications was 12% in the large-tumor group, which was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The operating time, blood loss, and incidence of complications after laparoscopic adrenalectomy did not differ between the patients with large and small adrenal tumors, indicating that experienced surgeons can safely and effectively use laparoscopy for larger tumors. However, it is necessary to consider carefully whether laparoscopic surgery is indicated for tumors that show infiltration on preoperative imaging or for patients who have undergone previous upper-retroperitoneal surgery.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of adrenal tumors

Adrenal surgery is necessary for the management of functioning adrenal tumors, such as aldosterone-producing adenoma, cortisol-producing adenoma, and pheochromocytoma. The role of adrenal imaging in primary hyperaldosteronism is to separate the surgically resectable unilateral aldosteronoma from bilateral hyperplasia. Once the clinical diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism is confirmed, adrenal computed tomography (CT) with 3-mm sections should be the first imaging study. If the results of CT and NP-59 scintigraphy are equivocal, adrenal venous sampling is necessary. Cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenomas are seen as adrenal masses 2.5 cm or larger in diameter in CT scanning. When an adrenal mass measures more than 5 cm in diameter, a functioning adrenal carcinoma should be considered. Symptomatic pheochromocytomas are almost always 2 cm or larger. On MR scanning, pheochromocytomas are extremely bright on T2-weighted images. In patients with ectopic pheochromocytomas, 131I-MIBG scintigraphy should be mandatory. In the past decade, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has replaced open adrenalectomy as a standard operative procedure for benign adrenal tumors. Adrenal-sparing laparoscopic surgery has recently become a feasible option in patients with hereditary bilateral pheochromocytomas.     

肾上腺肿物切除术后再行腹腔镜肾上腺手术

目的：总结既往有肾上腺手术史者再行腹腔镜肾上腺手术的经验。方法：2005年5月～2007年3月采用腹腔镜经腹腔途径对3例肾上腺肿物切除术后患者再行腹腔镜肾上腺肿物切除术。3例原发性醛固酮增多症患者均为女性,平均48岁（35～56岁）,左侧1例,右侧2例,肿瘤平均直径1．4cm（1．2～2．0cm）,2例曾行腹腔镜经后腹腔肾上腺肿物切除,1例曾行经腰切口开放’肾上腺肿物切除。观察手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数、并发症及手术效果。结果：3例手术均顺利完成。平均手术时间90min（75～110min）,术中平均出血量20ml（10-30ml）。平均住院时间5天（4～6天）,术中术后无并发症发生。随访8～25个月肿瘤无复发。结论：对于有肾上腺手术史者再行腹腔镜肾上腺手术难度增加,但腹腔镜再次手术是可行有效的。     

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma Versus Other Surgical Indications

Objective:

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is widely recognized as the preferred technique for surgical removal of adrenal masses. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed at a high-volume referral center and compare operative results for pheochromocytomas with that of other adrenal diseases.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon''s experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed between July 2002 and June 2007. Patient records were analyzed in regards to demographics, pathology diagnoses, operative time, postoperative complications, tumor size, hospital stay, among others.

Results:

Seventy-two consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed on 70 patients, including 2 bilateral adrenalectomies and one partial adrenalectomy. Surgical indications included pheochromocytoma (n=11), aldosteronoma (n=26), malignant adrenal disease (n=4), nonfunctioning adenomas (n=17), Cushing''s disease (n=6), and other adrenal disease (n=8). No mortality was observed. Perioperative complications occurred in 7 cases (9.7%). When a comparison between pathological diagnosis groups was made, no statistical differences were seen between pheochromocytomas and other adrenal neoplasms with respect to estimated blood loss, open conversion rate, length of stay, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin values, blood transfusion rates, peri-operative complication occurrence, tumor size, and ASA class.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and appropriate surgical technique for most adrenal lesions, including pheochromocytomas.     

Laparoscopic resection of large adrenal tumors

Background The maximum size of adrenal tumors that should be removed with a laparoscopic approach is controversial. It has been suggested that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is appropriate only for adrenal tumors <6 cm in size. We report our experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with adrenal tumors of ≥6 cm compared with patients with smaller tumors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients who had a laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Patients were considered candidates for laparoscopic adrenalectomy if their computed tomography (CT) scan showed a well-encapsulated tumor confined to the adrenal gland. Results Sixty laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in 53 patients. Twelve of the adrenalectomies (20%) were for tumors that were ≥6 cm (median, 8 cm; range, 6 to 12 cm). There have been no local or regional recurrences but one patient with adrenocortical carcinoma developed pulmonary metastases. When the 12 patients with large tumors were compared with the 36 patients with tumors <6 cm, the median operative time (190 vs. 180 minutes;P=.32), operative blood loss (100 vs. 50 mL;P=.53), and postoperative hospital stay (2 vs. 2 days;P=1.0) were similar. Conclusions The size of an adrenal tumor should not be the primary factor in determining whether a laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be performed. Large adrenal tumors that are confined to the adrenal gland on CT can be removed with a laparoscopic approach.