Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Sixteen patients with benign adrenal tumors underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The indications were: 6 pheochromocytomas, 4 nonfunctioning adrenal tumors, 2 Cushing's syndromes, 1 hematoma, 1 myolipoma, 2 Conn's syndrome. 15/16 procedures were completed laparoscopically. Blood loss was 300 ml on the average, operation time was 150 minutes. When performed by surgeons experienced in laparoscopy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure with minimal morbidity. With the accepted indications for removal of benign adrenal tumors, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is our therapy of choice.