[Initial experience of a series of robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy]

We present our initial experience using robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the surgical treatment of adrenal masses.

A total of 18 patients (11 women and 7 men) diagnosed of a functioning or non-functioning adrenal tumor mass were operated on in our facilities between October 2009 and October 2011. Surgical variables, intra-hospital recovery time, pathological findings and peri- and post-operatory findings were evaluated.

Mean age of the population intervened was 51.2 years (range 18-81), average ASA score 2.11 (range 1-4) and BMI 27.0 (range 18.8-36.1). Of the 18 patients, 11 were operated on the left side and 7 on the right. Mean surgery time was 150 (range 84-329) min and intra-operatory bleeding 121 (range 10-1500) ml, with a mean loss of hemoglobin and hematocrits of 2.11g/dl and 6.33%, respectively. Two patients were converted to conventional surgery. The factors influencing surgical conversion were: normal size (>10cm), tumor weight (>100g.), active pheochromocytoma and left localization of the tumor. Seven functioning cortical adenomas, 6 metastatic adrenal tumors, 3 pheochromocytoma and 2 incidental tumors were excised. Mean tumor size was 5.39 (range 3-15) cm. Median hospital stay was 6 days (range 4-14). Five patients had peri-operatory complication. Of these, only one (5%) had major complications (Clavien III). Mean follow-up was 6 months (range 2-24).

Robotic technology for laparoscopic adrenalectomies is a valid option for adrenal tumor treatment. In our experience with a relatively short learning curve, it makes it possible to reduce hospital treatment times and the intra- and post-operatory complications, without affecting the oncological and post-operatory functional results.