Results of endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy

Background: From March 1994 to August 1995 we performed extraperitoneal endoscopic adrenalectomy in 18 patients with adrenal gland tumors. Methods: Two of these patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. For the extraperitoneal approach a pneumoretroperitoneum was established and three 10-mm trocars were inserted in the area of the conventional flank incision. Adrenalectomy was performed via these ports. Endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy was successful in 15 patients; three patients required a conventional operation via an extraperitoneal lumbar approach because of inadequate exposure of the adrenal gland. In patients with endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy median operative time amounted to 180 min (95-330). Results: No postoperative complications were observed; median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (3-12). Conclusions: The described approach produces rapid recovery and creates less postoperative pain.