Current role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Objective. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is now a standard procedure for the v ast majority of patients with surgical adrenal disease. Herein, we evaluate various techniques employed during laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and assess the current role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and possible future develop ments. Materials and Methods: We reviewed large series of reports presenting the r esults of laparoscopic transperitoneal and retroperitoneal adrenalectomy an d we compared the data of different series and authors, adding our experien ce. Results: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe, reproducible and effective p rocedure with low complication rates. With increasing worldwide experience, the indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy are expanding. When retrosp ectively compared to open surgery, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is superior i n terms of postoperative pain, hospital stay, return to normal activity and complications. Conclusions. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective option for most surgical adrenal pathologies. Moreover, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is associated with a superior patient tolerance profile. It is safe to say tha t today, laparoscopy must be considered the first choice procedure for exci sion of benign surgical adrenal lesions. Copyright (C) 2001 S.Karger AG, Ba sel.