Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in resident training: ıs it safe and feasible?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be safely performed by senior residents (4 years and above) with the guidance of senior surgeons.

Patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy between January 2012 and December 2023 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients' demographic, clinical, and surgical data were recorded and analyzed.

A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty of the patients were male, and 86 were female. The mean age was 51.8 (±standard deviation±12.1). In group 1, there were 83 patients (78.3%) who were operated on by a senior surgeon, and in group 2, there were 23 patients (21.7%) who were operated on by a senior resident. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and American Anesthesia Society score. A statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of mass diameter (p=0.042). In multivariate analysis, being operated on by a senior surgeon was not a risk factor for either postoperative complications or conversion to open surgery.

In conclusion, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be safely performed by senior residents under the supervision of senior surgeons.