The First Laparoscopic Resection of Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma Using the da Vinci ® Robotic System

Abstract

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma is difficult because of the potential release of catecholamines, which may lead to severe intraoperative hemodynamic changes. In particular, extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma imposes special demands on the laparoscopic surgical skills of the operator because of changes in anatomic disposition. In this paper, we report a case of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, located in the vulnerable anatomic structures, taking place in tiny areas that were difficult to access and that was resected by using the da Vinci^® robotic system. We found that the da Vinci robotic system gave us improved visual quality to surrounding structures. After our initial experience, we suggest the robot-assisted laparoscopic resection for extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.