LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY

Between June and September 1993, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was indicated in five patients (three women, two men; aged 25-50 years). Three had a phaeochromocytoma, two had an adenoma (Conn's syndrome). Four of the five tumours were localized to the right adrenal gland, one to the left. Tumour diameter ranged from 3 to 5 cm. The laparoscopic procedure was successful in four of the patients (three right, one left). In the fifth case the operations had to be completed by conventional surgery, because of noncontrollable haemorrhage. Duration of operation ranged between 165 and 360 min for right adrenalectomy and was 135 min for the left one. Rapid convalescence, lower dose of pain-killing drug required, short hospital stay and good cosmetic results characterized the postoperative course after the laparoscopic procedure. This technique thus op ens up new perspectives for adrenal surgery.