[Primary aldosteronism and arterial hypertension]

The experience of surgical management of 16 patients with primary aldosteronism is summarized. The aspects of its diagnosis are analysed, and its possible atypical course indicated. The authors used pneumoretroperitoneography for determining the localization of the aldosteromas. The localization of an aldosteroma having been established, the best approach is the modified Smithweak's one, for the revision of both adrenal glands a median or transversal laparotomy is employed. All the 16 patients survived the operations favourably.