Retroperitoneal adrenalectomy-learning curve, practical tips and tricks, what limits its wider uptake

Area of Science:

• Endocrine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• The retroperitoneal approach for adrenal surgery emerged in the early 1990s, following laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
• Despite demonstrated advantages over laparoscopic surgery, this technique was initially limited to a few specialized centers.
• Over time, the procedure has been refined, standardized, and gained global recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the surgical steps of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy.
• To highlight recent technical advancements in the procedure.
• To advocate for the integration of this technique into endocrine surgery practices.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical steps for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy.
• Focus on recent technical developments and standardization.
• Analysis of the procedure's evolution and acceptance.

Main Results:

• The retroperitoneoscopic approach has become a safe and reproducible surgical procedure.
• Worldwide acceptance of the technique has significantly increased in the last 10 years.
• The procedure is now considered a valuable option in endocrine surgery.

Conclusions:

• Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a well-established minimally invasive technique.
• The procedure's standardization has led to its widespread adoption.
• Endocrine surgery centers should incorporate retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy into their surgical repertoire.