This retrospective study entailed a total of 120 transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed for adrenal gland masses between May 2004 and December 2016. All surgeries were performed by single surgeon.
Sixty-six LTAS were performed, and 54 tumors were removed by LPA. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to mean age at presentation, mean tumor size, or postoperative stay. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in the LPA group than that of the LTA group. However, the mean estimated blood loss in the LPA group was significantly higher than that of the LTA group, but none of the patients required blood transfusion. No major complications developed in both groups. The biochemical markers and laboratory values normalized postoperatively in all patients with functional adrenal masses. There was no local recurrence during the follow-up period.
The authors concluded that the surgical outcomes of LPA were comparable to those of LTA. Most importantly, all patients of LPA group remained steroid independent, as well as recurrence-free at long-term follow up. Therefore, for patients with adrenal tumor whether it is unilateral or bilateral regardless of hormonal activity, the authors strongly recommend considering LPA as a possible surgical approach whenever possible.
Presented by: Cha, JS.