Laparoscopic adrenalectomy - ten-year experience.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Adrenal gland diseases require effective surgical intervention.
• Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has emerged as a minimally invasive surgical option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review a decade of experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
• To analyze the intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy (2002-2012).
• Analysis of surgical approach (retroperitoneal vs. transperitoneal), tumor characteristics, and diagnoses (pheochromocytoma, Cushing, Conn syndromes, metastases).
• Diagnostic methods included ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and biochemical tests.

Main Results:

• Mean operative time was 158 minutes; mean hospital stay was 5.5 days.
• Three open conversions were required.
• Postoperative complications occurred in 13.7% of patients, with three requiring blood transfusions.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for benign adrenal masses.
• The procedure is suitable for patients with adrenal metastases when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.