Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Tumors in Children: Technical Considerations and Surgical Experience

Abstract

Aims:

This study aimed to review our surgical experience of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for adrenal masses in the pediatric age group.

Materials and Methods:

The electronic medical records of all patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent LA between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Children with adrenal tumors localized to the site of origin without evidence of encasement of major vasculature or involvement of adjacent organs were considered for LA. Patients with diagnosis of malignant adrenal tumor on preoperative work-up underwent open adrenalectomy. Data were collected regarding demography, clinical presentation, hormonal workup, imaging, duration of surgery, transfusion requirement, conversion rate, postoperative recovery, duration of intravenous (i.v.) analgesia and hospital stay, pathology, complications, and status at follow-up.

Results:

Between 2016 and 2023, LA adrenalectomy was performed in 11 patients (6 boys and 5 girls) with a mean age of 46.3 (8–120) months. A functional tumor was detected in 6 (54.5%) children, manifesting clinically with Cushing's syndrome (3), virilization (1), feminization (1), or Conn's syndrome (1). Seven (63.6%) tumors originated from the right adrenal, and 4 (36.4%) from the left adrenal gland. The mean tumor weight and size was 49.1 (10–80) g and 5.6 (3–8) cm, respectively. Histopathology included adrenal adenoma (5), ganglioneuroma (3), ganglioneuroblastoma (1), myelolipoma (1), and intermediate adrenocortical tumor (1). The mean surgery duration was 186.6 (120–265) minutes. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 2 (18.2%) patients and none required conversion. Full feeds were resumed at 42.7 (24–60) hours, i.v. analgesia requirement was for 54.5 (36–72) hours and mean hospital stay was 5.1 (3–8) days. All patients were symptom-free with no recurrence at mean follow-up period of 50.6 (3–83) months.

Conclusions:

In children with well-circumscribed, localized, and noninvasive adrenal tumors, LA is feasible, effective, and safe with all advantages of minimally invasive surgery.