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Published on: September 15, 2017
Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytomas.
Shih-Ping Cheng1, Brian D Saunders, Paul G Gauger
1Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Annals of Surgical Oncology
|July 12, 2008
Summary
Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hereditary pheochromocytoma, preserving adrenal function in patients with bilateral tumors. This approach avoids the need for long-term hormone replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hereditary pheochromocytoma presents a risk for bilateral adrenal disease.
- Partial adrenalectomy aims to preserve adrenal function and prevent replacement therapy complications.
- This case study details a laparoscopic approach to synchronous bilateral partial adrenalectomy.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease presented with elevated urinary metanephrines and bilateral adrenal tumors.
- Computed tomography and MIBG scan confirmed tumor presence and location.
- The patient underwent laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy after adrenergic blockade.
Findings:
- Complete excision of bilateral pheochromocytomas was achieved while preserving adrenal veins and gland function.
- The procedure took 228 minutes with no significant hemodynamic instability.
- Post-operative follow-up confirmed no requirement for exogenous corticosteroid replacement.
Implications:
- Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy is a safe and feasible option for bilateral pheochromocytomas.
- This technique is a potential treatment of choice for hereditary pheochromocytoma.
- Preservation of adrenal function through this surgical approach minimizes patient morbidity.
