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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytomas in a boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease
C Radmayr1, H Neumann, G Bartsch
1Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria. christian.radmayr@uibk.ac.at
Objectives:
In adults, increasing numbers of adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas are performed laparoscopically. We report for the first time laparoscopic bilateral subtotal adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Methods:
In July 1998, an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for bilateral pheochromocytomas. The boy presented with severe hypertension and two pheochromocytomas on both sides.
Results:
The child could be solely treated with laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery. The procedure was completed as planned. There were absolutely no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperatively, catecholamine levels and hypertension went back to normal. At follow-up no residual tumor could be detected and no steroid replacement therapy was necessary.
Conclusions:
In experienced hands, laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for pheochromocytomas is feasible and safe. Moreover, this minimal invasive approach represents an exceptional improvement in life quality, especially in children with von Hippel-Lindau disease since surgery will probably be necessary again and again in their future life.
