Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. New experiences

Authors have performed 23 laparoscopic adrenalectomies between 03.04.1997 and 02.04.1999. They have removed 16 cortical adenomas, 2 nodular hyperplasias, 2 cysts, 1 carcinoma, 1 pheochromocytoma and 1 myolipoma. The operation time was 90-260 minutes that gradually has been decreased by using "Ultracision" ultrasonic shear. They have made simultaneously two cholecystectomies and one liver wedge biopsy. During removing pheochromocytoma they have not detected extremely high blood pressure data. They had one intraoperative complication, the perforation of the diaphragm which required a temporary thoracic suction drainage. All operations were completed laparoscopically. Patients have been released on the 2nd-3rd postoperative day. Their experiences confirm the literary data that the laparoscopic approach to adrenalectomy is the method of choice today.