Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Indications, technique, complications and follow-up

Background: Developments in laparoscopic surgery have rendered it an efficient tool for many complex surgical procedures. In the last few years, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become a more viable option for removal of adrenal pathology,, with many surgeons' preferring it to the conventional open technique. Objectives: To describe the indications, technique, complications and follow-up of patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our department. Methods: The hospital files of 30 patients who underwent the 1 procedure were reviewed. There were, 19 females and 11 males with a mean age of 45 years. Indications,for surgery differed and included hypersecreting adenoma, pheochromocytoma, suspected malignancy, and incidentaloma. Results: Of-the 31 laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed, 11 were right, 18 were left, and 1 was bilateral. The conversion rate to an, open procedure was 3%. The mean duration of procedure was 120 :minutes. Only one patient required blood transfusion. Complications occurred in 20%, of patients, all, reversible. There was no mortality. Mean hospitalization duration was 3.4 days and median follow-up 17 months. There were no late complications. All patients operated on for benign diseases are alive. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be a useful tool for the treatment of a range of adrenal pathologies.