The safety and efficiency of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy via extra and intra perinephric fat approaches: a retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND: This retrospective clinical study is to evaluate the safety and efficiency of two different approaches in retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and provide experience and basis for the treatment of adrenal tumors through retroperitoneal approach. METHODS: From July 2015 to February 2018, 112 patients with adrenal lesions underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) using a 3-port method. Among them, 56 patients underwent RLA via the extra perinephric fat approach (EPFA), 56 patients underwent RLA via the intra perinephric fat approach (IPFA). Clinical data, including preoperative, operative and postoperative management were recorded. RESULTS: All surgeries were successfully completed, and there was no single patient who died during these surgeries. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in blood loss, postoperative complications, vena cava injury, renal cortex injury, peripheral organ injury, and post operation hospital stay. Peritoneum injury occurred more frequently in the EPFA group when compared with the IPEA group (p = 0.042). The average surgery time of the IPEA group is significantly shorter when compared with that of the EPEA group (p < 0.001). Due to serious saponification of the perinephric fat and heavy adhesion to renal fascia, three cases in IPFA group were converted to the EPFA surgery. CONCLUSION: RLA is a safe and effective procedure both via extra perinephric fat and intra perinephric fat approaches. IPEA is superior to EPEA in terms of peritoneal injury and duration. The choice may mainly depend on the experience of the surgeon, the characteristics of the adrenal tumor and the nature of the perinephric fat.