Laparoscopic resection of abdominal paragangliomas

Paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors arising from chromaffin tissue of the autonomic nervous system. Although they can arise anywhere along the paravertebral axis, the majority is intra-abdominal in location. Frequently, these tumors are closely associated with major vascular structures, necessitating open techniques for resection. As laparoscopic techniques have advanced, minimally invasive approaches to these complex tumors have been attempted. This study presents 3 patients with abdominal paragangliomas, highlighting the use of high-quality preoperative imaging and intraoperative surgeon-performed ultrasound in allowing safe minimally invasive resection of these tumors.