[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: presentation of 43 cases].

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to present and analyse our experience in laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Descriptive and retrospective study including LA performed over 8 years, between 2000 and 2008 in our hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 43 LA were performed to 41 patients using a transperitoneal lateral approach. Indications for adrenalectomy included hyperaldosteronism (19), non-functioning adenoma (8), phaeochromocytoma (6), Cushing's syndrome (6), metastasis (3) and adrenal primary tumour (1). Median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days and the median size of the masses was 30mm (range: 4-155mm) Complications occurred in 3 patients (2 respiratory infections, and 1 intraoperative bleeding). There was no mortality. Only one case needed conversion to open adrenalectomy; no patients required reintervention.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective method in the treatment of adrenal masses and it can be performed with minimal risk and morbidity.