[Long-term observations after adrenal surgery]

Long-term observations after adrenal surgery show different results according to indications for operations. The longest period of observation shows 8 patients with adrenal hyperplasia. In 3 of 4 bilaterally adrenalectomised patients no satisfactory results were obtained despite substitution treatment; 4 one-side adrenalectomised patients are in good condition. Operative results of 7 patients with benign phaeochromocytoma are satisfactory. Two patients with malignant phaeochromocytoma developed a local recidive and distant metastases. Carcinoma of the adrenal gland, if not hormonally active, were not diagnosed in early stage, 3 patients died from metastases within 3 years. A 2-years-old girl, who was operated on with hormonally active carcinoma, is in good condition 21 years later.