Comparison of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Adrenalectomy with the Aid of Intracavitary Retractors and Multiport Laparoendoscopic Adrenalectomy

Objective: To evaluate the operative outcome of the use of intracavitary retractors in transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy in comparison with the conventional multiport laparoendoscopic procedure. Methods: Between July 2021 and December 2023, 34 patients underwent transumbilical LESS adrenalectomy with intracavitary retractors, while 47 patients underwent conventional multiport laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Comprehensive data were compared, including demographics, intraoperative outcomes, perioperative complications, postoperative visual analog pain scale score, analgesic requirement, and short-term measures of convalescence. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All procedures were successfully completed without additional access or open conversion. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss for LESS adrenalectomy were comparable with multiport adrenalectomy. The LESS group had significantly shorter incision length (3.07 cm versus 5.16 cm, P < .01), lower postoperative pain scores (3.29 versus 4.91, P < .01), less analgesic drug use (29% versus 53%, P = .03), and better cosmetic scores (9.29 versus 7.28, P < .01). No significant differences were observed in time to resume oral intake, time to ambulation, or postoperative hospital stay. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Conclusion: The utilization of intracavitary retractors in transumbilical LESS adrenalectomy has demonstrated feasibility, effectiveness, and the potential to reduce technical complexities with satisfactory cosmetic effects. This technique enhances visualization of the surgical field without the need for extra ports.