Surgical management of adrenal cysts: single-institution experience

To assess the safety and efficacy of different surgical procedures used for managing benign adrenal cysts.

The files of 245 patients presenting with adrenal masses was reviewed retrospectively; all had a thorough history taken and a physical examination. The radiological evaluation included abdominal plain X-rays, grey-scale abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography with contrast medium. According to their clinical situation, patients had surgical open, laparoscopic intervention or were managed conservatively. The short- and long-term outcome of the open and laparoscopic techniques were evaluated.

Twenty-six (11%) patients presented with adrenal cysts; the mean (sd, range) age at the time of presentation for adults was 41.4 (15, 17-82) years, while a 1-month female neonate and 1-year-old boy presented with an adrenal cyst. The mean (sd, range) size of the cysts was 10 (3.5, 5-18) cm. Surgical intervention was the treatment of choice in 21 patients; 11 (42%) had open adrenalectomy, while 10 (38%) had laparoscopic intervention. Both groups were comparable in the term of cyst size and operative time, while the laparoscopically managed group had a shorter hospital stay. Five patients were followed with no surgical intervention. At a mean follow-up of 90 months all patients were symptom free, with no radiological evidence of recurrence.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for benign adrenal cysts. Compared with open techniques it has the advantages of a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and enhanced cosmesis. Unlike aspiration of cyst contents, the recurrence of adrenal cysts after surgical removal is unlikely.