LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR NONFUNCTIONING ADRENAL-TUMORS

Thirteen patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for nonfunc tioning adrenal tumors were compared with seven patients who underwent open adrenalectomy. Although a longer operating time was required for laparoscopic surgery, postoperative recovery was significantly more r apid. Performance of adrenalectomy for nonfunctioning adrenal tumors i s controversial, but we cannot exclude the possibility of malignancy a nd the potential for hormone overproduction by presumably nonfunctioni ng small tumors. The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery may widen the indications for adrenalectomy in patients with nonfunct ioning adrenal tumors.