Laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma

Because of the excessive production of catecholamines, surgery for pheochromocytoma carries a certain risk that can be reduced by accurate preoperative evaluation and by pretreatment with alpha-blockers. The authors' experience and that of other groups suggests that this inherent risk is not enhanced by the laparoscopic approach, and that, following successful surgery, patients benefit from the minimal invasiveness of this technique. Most surgeons recommend the transperitoneal approach that allows direct access to the adrenal vein, facilitating early ligation. This recommendation does not apply to other pathologies of the adrenal gland. Bilateral adrenal tumors are only seen in patients with familial pheochromocytomas. In this setting, adrenal-sparing surgery should be considered, which can also be performed laparoscopically. Previous adrenal surgery is not a contraindication but will render the procedure more difficult. Laparoscopic excision of paragangliomas is also technically feasible. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery for pheochromocytoma is a difficult and demanding task that must be performed by an experienced surgeon in cooperation with a team of specialists including an internist, endocrinologist, and anesthesiologist.