Adrenal masses in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients: is there any role for laparoscopic procedures?

Surgical treatment of adrenal metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a current and controversial issue. We analyze our experience with the laparoscopic treatment of NSCLC solitary adrenal metastases. In the last 4 years, six patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for suspected solitary NSCLC metastasis. A metastasis was removed in four patients and a cortical adenoma in two. Laparoscopy with intraoperative ultrasonography was demonstrated to be an excellent procedure for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of the patient affected by a solitary adrenal metastasis from NSCLC. Longer follow-up and a larger series are necessary to enable definitive conclusions to be drawn about the impact on survival of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for NSCLC metastasis.