Intraoperative Ultrasound Guidance in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes.

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the advantages of integrating intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) into laparoscopic adrenal surgery by assessing its impact on perioperative outcomes and identifying potential complications.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 128 patients with adrenal gland tumors who underwent a laparoscopic adrenalectomy by comparing those who received intraoperative ultrasound guidance with those who did not. The procedures were performed using either the transperitoneal or the lateral retroperitoneal approach.

Results

The IOUS-guided group had significantly lower blood loss (p < 0.001) and a shorter hospitalization duration (p = 0.005) compared with the non-IOUS group. No intraoperative complications were observed in the IOUS group, whereas three complications occurred in the non-IOUS group, including peritoneal breaches and minor liver damage. The retroperitoneal approach demonstrated superior perioperative outcomes, with a shorter operative time (p < 0.001), reduced blood loss (p < 0.001), earlier resumption of oral intake and lower postoperative analgesia requirements (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intraoperative ultrasound enhanced the surgical precision in laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which reduced the blood loss, shortened the hospital stays and minimized the intraoperative complications.