Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
J. Kuriansky, A. Saenz, D. Rosin, E. Astudillo, L. Fernandez-Cruz
Dept. of General Surgery and Transplantation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and Dept. of Surgery, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has recently been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of benign adrenal tumors, such as aldosterone adenoma, pheochromocytoma, nonfunctioning adenoma, Cushing's adenoma and Cushing's syndrome. Recently, laparoscopic surgeons adopted an extraperitoneal approach in which a space is created by the introduction of a trocar with an inflatable balloon tip. This technique with a minimal access procedure provides direct access to the adrenal glands without interfering with intraperitoneal organs.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the extraperitoneal approach was completed in 18/20 consecutive patients. Mean operative time was 95 min (range 80-120) and median hospital stay 3 days. Blood transfusion was not required, and there were no postoperative complications.