Laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

INTRODUCTION

To describe the technique of transperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral synchronous partial adrenalectomy in a patient with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

An 81-year-old woman with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma underwent bilateral laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy. A three-port transperitoneal approach was used for each side, with an additional port for liver retraction during right partial adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic flexible ultrasonography was invaluable for localizing the adrenal tumor and for precise planning of the line of excision. The right main adrenal vein was preserved. Dissection and enucleation of the adrenal tumor and parenchymal hemostasis was achieved effectively using a harmonic scalpel. The total operative time was 2 and 2.5 hours for the left and right adrenal gland, respectively. No major intraoperative hemodynamic instability was noted. The total blood loss was 150 mL, and the hospital stay was 4 days. Pathologic examination confirmed bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is safe and technically feasible. Intraoperative ultrasonography is helpful to accurately plan resection of the tumor. If tumor location permits, the main adrenal vein should be preserved to ensure adequate vascularity for the adrenal remnant.