Laparoscopic Bilateral Simultaneous Adrenalectomy: Results of 11 Operations

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcomes of the simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study, including 11 patients with bilateral adrenal lesions, affected by Cushing's syndrome (n = 2), Cushing's disease (n = 6), pheochromocytoma (n = 2), and 1 adrenocorticotrophin-hormone-dependent hypercortisolism of unknown origin.

Results:

Elevan bilateral adrenalectomies were carried out by the laparoscopic approach with no conversions. The operations were performed in 7 cases by the lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTLA), in 3 by the posterior approach (PRA), and in 1 by the combined approach. The mean size of the masses was 5 cm. (range, 4–13). The average operating time was 245 minutes for LTLA and 218 minutes for PRA (P < 0.05). The estimated mean blood loss was 87 ± 36 mL (range, 20–150). No patients required transfusions. The mean hospital stay was 5 ± 1.8 days (range, 4–7). The mean follow-up was 34 months (range, 2–96).

Conclusions:

Our study confirms that the bilateral adrenalectomy by the minimally invasive technique is safe and effective, affording acceptable blood loss and morbidity with a short hospital stay.