[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma]

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has recently been shown to be a safe and effective strategy of treating a variety of benign adrenal tumors. The ability to reduce hypertensive crisis during surgery for pheochromocytoma by adequate preoperative alpha- and beta-blockade and early intraoperative venous ligation have reached a level sufficient to permit a safe laparoscopic approach. During the period January 1995 to December 1999, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was attempted in twelve patients with unilateral pheochromocytoma and in 2 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type II. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 90 minutes (45-120). Blood transfusion was not required and there were no postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 3 days.