[Left laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma in MEN 2B: case report]

Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN) are genetic disease with many pathologic models. MEN 2B is a autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, mucosal ganglioneuromatosis and marfanoid habitus. Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of pheochromocytoma.

Woman 25 years old, suffering from medullary thyroid carcinoma in MEN 2B syndrome, underwent total thyroidectomy, with emptying of the lymphonodal central and lateral cervical (bilaterally) compartments and radioreceptor therapy. The patient was then submitted to four plastic surgery for cervical keloid. In January 2010, follow-up blood and instrumental tests show, in the lower portion of left adrenal gland, a round lesion, with smooth margins 17 mm diameter, attributable to pheochromocytoma. In March 2010 the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for left adrenalectomy.

The benefits of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a single lesion are well documented in the literature; this type of intervention is indicated in cases of pheochromocytoma in patients with MEN 2B. Our case demonstrates the feasibility of this technique.