Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Laparoscopic Radical Left Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer: Surgical Strategy and Technique Video
Published on: June 6, 2020
Technique and results of the retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy via a lumbar approach
1Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
Introduction:
Since 1992, endoscopic techniques have been used increasingly in adrenal-gland surgery. In the present paper, the technique of the retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy via a lumbar approach is described.
Methods:
The patient is placed in a lateral decubitus position. In the first step, a dilatation trocar is introduced in the retroperitoneal space to create an artificial cavity. The dilatation trocar is replaced by a blocking trocar to close off the operating field. After insufflation of CO2, two additional trocars are introduced in the area of the conventional flank incision. Adrenalectomy is performed via these ports. Once the adrenal gland is completely mobilized, it is inserted into a sterile plastic bag and removed through the 1.5-cm incision.
Conclusion:
The retroperitoneoscopic approach to the adrenal gland appears to be suitable for benign adrenal-gland tumors up to a size of 6 cm.
