[Results of surgical treatment for adrenal gland diseases]

The authors present their own experience in diagnosing and surgical treatment of adrenal tumors. The group consisted of 52 patients with adrenal tumors treated surgically in our Department in 1980-1996. There were 37 women (71%) and 15 men (29%); 22 with Cushing syndrome, 14 with pheochromocytoma, 4 with Conn's syndrome, 1 with virilizing tumor, 1 with adenocarcinoma, 1 with adrenocortical carcinoma, 1 with ganglioneuroblastoma 2 with adenomas, 6 with adrenal cyst. Diagnosis pre- and intraoperative was verified with histological examination. We suggest that the ultrasonography and computed tomography are the most useful methods in determining of tumor localisation. The authors prefer intraperitoneal approach, enabling evaluation of the contralateral adrenal gland and possible localisation of extraadrenal foci. Good results were obtained in 51 patients (98%).