Editorial Comment on “Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus in Inferior Vena Cava: One Step Further in Minimally Invasive Endocrine Surgery,” by Walz et al.

Abstract

Abstract

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with a 5-year survival of less than 15% among patients with advanced disease. Though the management is greatly influenced by the stage of the tumor at presentation, complete surgical excision of the primary tumor without capsular disruption remains a mainstay of treatment. For known or suspected ACC, open adrenalectomy is advised by most authorities to permit a R0 resection to include an adequate margin of peri-adrenal tissue. With advances in laparoscopic techniques and equipment, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is being used by some high volume adrenal surgeons to excise ACC in carefully selected patients. Some studies have demonstrated a very high recurrence rate with the laparoscopic approach. This video commentary discusses the pros and cons of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for ACC, especially in a patient with known inferior vena cava tumor thrombosis.

No competing financial interests exist.

Runtime of video: 3 mins