Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Preoperative data, surgical technique and clinical outcomes profile: A retrospective &...

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy technique has the advantage of reduction in morbidity and peri-operative mortality. This technique has been established in the management of benign small masses (<5-6 cm). A dilemma exists in the management of bigger lesions or potentially malignant tumours. This study aimed to assess the procedure in terms of preoperative requirements, technique itself, the outcome and complications.

This mixed design (retrospective and prospective) cohort study was conducted in the Department of Urology and Renal Transplant, at one of the largest tertiary care centre of north-western India. A total of 27 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study. Data was collected regarding patient's demographic profile, characteristics of adrenal lesions, surgical procedures, postoperative results, and histological diagnosis.

Age of patients ranged from 9 to 65 years, 15 (55.6%) were male. Common indication for laparoscopic adrenalectomy was Pheochromocytoma (40.7%), Non-Functioning Adrenal Tumour (29.6%), and Conn's syndrome (18.5%). Histopathology confirmed pheochromocytoma in 10 (37%) patients. Adenoma was found in eight (29.6%) patients. The average intra op blood loss was 174.63 ± 90.98 ml, and nine (33.3%) required post operative blood transfusion. The mean duration of surgery was 140.19 ± 26.51 min. Conversion to open surgery was required in two (7.4%) patients. Post op complications included deranged LFT (3.7%), fever (3.7%), and ileus (7.4%). The duration of the hospital stay ranged from 3 to 5 days.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be considered a safe and effective procedure with relatively low rate of morbidity.