Intraoperative consultation for the retroperitoneum and adrenal glands

An incidentally discovered mass lesion is the most frequent indication for intraoperative consultation involving the retroperitoneum or adrenal gland. The goal of the surgeon is to determine the nature and extent of the lesion and, for solid lesions, to obtain a biopsy adequate for histopathologic diagnosis. Benign lesions may be excised locally, whereas therapy for malignancies depends upon the individual circumstances of the patient, the histology of the lesion, and involvement of adjacent organs. Treatment of hematomas requires early vascular control. Adrenal tissue should be preserved whenever possible.