Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Gaining experience by graded approach

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become a gold standard in management of most of the adrenal disorders. Though report on the first laparoscopic adrenalectomy dates back to 1992, there is no series of LA reported from India. Starting Feb 2001, a graded approach to LA was undertaken in our center. Till March 2006, a total of 34 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed with success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The endocrinology department primarily evaluated all patients. Patients were divided into Group A - unilateral LA and Group B - bilateral LA (BLA). The indications in Group A were pheochromocytoma (n=7), Conn's syndrome (n=3), Cushing's adenoma (n=2), incidentaloma (n=2); and in Group B, Cushing's disease (CD) following failed trans-sphenoid pituitary surgery (n = 8); ectopic ACTH- producing Cushing's syndrome (n=1) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (n=1). The lateral transabdominal route was used. RESULTS: The age group varied from 12–54 years, with mean age of 28.21 years. Average duration of surgery in Group A was 166.43 min (40–270 min) and 190 min (150–310 min) in Group B. Average blood loss was 136.93 cc (20–400 cc) in Group A and 92.5 cc (40–260 cc) in Group B. There was one conversion in each group. Mean duration of surgical stay was 1.8 days (1–3 days) in Group A and 2.6 days (2–4 days) in Group B. All the patients in both groups were cured of their illness. Three patients in Group B developed Nelson's syndrome. The mean follow up was of 24.16 months (4–61 months). CONCLUSION: LA though technically demanding, is feasible and safe. Graded approach to LA is the key to success.