Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients who have Cushing's syndrome

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is one of the most significant advances in the past 20 years for treating adrenal disorders. When compared with open adrenalectomy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is equally safe, effective, and curative; it is more successful in shortening hospitalization and convalescence and has less long-term morbidity. The laparoscopic approach is the procedure of choice for the surgical management of cortisol-producing adenomas and for patients who have corticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome for whom surgery failed to remove the source of ACTH. The keys to successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy are appropriate patient selection, knowledge of anatomy, delicate tissue handling, meticulous hemostasis, and experience with the technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.