TRANSTHORACAL APPROACH FOR THE REMOVAL OF ADRENAL-TUMORS - EARLY EXPERIENCE WITH 10 CASES

Objectives: To evaluate the early results of a transthoracal approach for the removal of various adrenal tumors. Methods: Between May 1994 a nd March 1995, 10 patients with adrenal masses underwent transthoracal adrenalectomy. Operation time, blood loss, the use of parenteral anal gesia, duration of thoracal drainage, time to oral intake, ambulation and hospitalization period were assessed. Results: All tumors were exc ised successfully, with a short operation time (mean 91.5 min), minima l blood loss (mean 35 ml), limited use of parenteral analgesics (mean 1.4 days), early ambulation (mean 1.9 days to ambulation) and shorter period of parenteral nutrition (mean 2 days) leading to a reduced hosp ital stay (mean 6.7 days). Conclusions: The transthoracal approach pro vided excellent exposure and is a quick and safe procedure even for la rge, malignant and hormone-producing tumors. At present this is our pr eferred method for the removal of adrenal masses.