Experience in identifying the variant adrenal venous anatomy during modified retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy

Adrenal vein plays an important role in performing laparoscopic adrenalectomy successfully. However, it often presents with a multitude of venous anatomical variants. Hence, having a thorough knowledge on the variant types is crucial to reduce operative complications. This study aims to present our experience in identifying adrenal vein variation in adrenalectomy through modified retroperitoneal approach.

A total of 187 patients underwent modified retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy between July 2017 and February 2019. Perioperative data and adrenal vein variants were recorded and analysed.

Variant adrenal veins were encountered in seven patients. On the right side, two cases were drained by two adrenal veins; one case had a common trunk of adrenal vein and an accessory hepatic vein and one case had an adrenal vein joined with the opening of the right renal vein. On the left side, two cases of anatomic variations were described as follows: one vein converged with the left inferior phrenic vein and joined with the left renal vein, whereas the other vein directly joined with the left renal vein. One case had two adrenal veins that joined with the left renal vein.

Accurate identification and proper handling of the anatomical variation in the drainage of adrenal vein are crucial to safe LA. It is helpful to anticipate and avoid bleeding, especially in large adrenal tumours.