Robotic adrenalectomy: technical aspects, early results and learning curve

Background Adrenal surgery is undergoing continuous evolution, and robotic technology may extend indications for a minimally invasive approach to adrenalectomy. Methods Thirty robot-assisted unilateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy procedures have been performed at our Department over the last 5 years. The presence of bilateral lesions and vascular involvement were the only contra-indications for a minimally invasive approach. Several patients presented with significant co-morbidities: BMI>35kg/m2 (20%); ASA score IIIIV (58.7%); and moderate to severe impaired respiratory function (36.6%). In addition, 40% of patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery. Results Two patients presented with intra-operative complications (6.6%) and only one patient required conversion to an open procedure (3.3%). None of the patients required intraoperative transfusions. Hospital morbidity was 10% but no mortality was recorded. The mean hospital stay was 5.2 +/- 2.2 days. The mean size of the resected adrenal mass was 5.1 +/- 2.4cm. A significant reduction in operative times was found with gaining experience. Conclusions Thanks to robotic technology, some subpopulations of patients with clinical or oncological contra-indications to laparoscopic treatment may be addressed with minimally invasive treatment. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.