Partial laparoscopic adrenalectomy for aldosterone-producing adenoma: Short- and long-term results

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic surgery for adrenal gland tumors is the gold standard operative approach now. Adrenal-sparing surgery has special indications, We demonstrated the safety and feasibility of performing adrenal-sparing surgery by means of laparoscopy for aldosterone-producing adenoma (Conn's syndrome). Patients and Methods: Between 1995 and 1999, seven patients with Conn's syndrome had laparoscopic adrenal-sparing resection of their tumors. These patients were followed up by means of radiology and biochemistry. Results: All seven patients had successful laparoscopie surgery without complications, Most patients were discharged in 2 to 6 days (mean 3 days), At follow-up, the six patients investigated had normal blood pressure, No recurrences have been encountered with a median follow-up of 12 months in these six patients, Conclusions: Adrenal-sparing resection of tumors causing primary hyperaldosteronism is technically feasible by means of laparoscopy, This procedure has the advantage of keeping a greater reserve of normal adrenal tissue and of rapid postoperative recovery.