Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Tumours in Adults - Initial Experience

Abstract

Introduction In the management of adrenal tumors the open adrenalectomy has almost being replaced by the laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Currently this has become the gold standard surgical treatment for most adrenal tum ours. The benefits of the laparoscopic adrenalectomy such as decreased hospital stay, shorter recovery time and improved patient satisfaction are widely accepted. The aim of this study was to present our experiences on laparoscopic adrenalectomies done during the period of 2013 to 2015. Material and Methods Retrospective analysis of the data of all the laparoscopic adrenalectomies done by a single surgeon was performed. Results Total number of patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy was nine (9). There were five males and 4 females. The age range was 21-62 years. Five of these patients had presented with uncontrolled blood pressure while 3 others had come with loin pain and only one case presented with hypokaleamia. Four of them had adrenal tumour on the left side while five had right side tumours. All patients were managed with lateral trans peritoneal approach while all of them needed 4 port access with three 5mm ports and one 10mm port. Blood loss was minimal in all cases and no complications were noted. None were converted to open surgery while all had shorter hospital stay (mean days=2). Out of nine, 6 had adrenocortical adenoma , 2 had phaeochromocytoma and one had an inflammatory pseudo tumour. Conclusion Laparoscopic adrenalectomy gives better outcomes when compared to open adrenalectomy, in blood loss and short hospital stay and cosmetic effects.