[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy using telementoring system].

We report on our experience in telementoring during laparoscopic adrenalectomy. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon supervised a less experienced surgeon from a control room about 100 meter away. Mentoring was accomplished over a fiber optic cable employing real-time video imaging, two-way audio communication, OES ImageTrac Video System used to control the laparoscopic image, and a telestrator. The patient was a 52-year-old male with primary aldosteronism due to a left adrenal adenoma 2 cm in diameter. The procedure was successfully performed in 195 minutes with minimal blood loss. The patient recovered without complications and returned home on postoperative day 7. As broadband telecommunication expands, telementoring will become an important method for the training and supporting of laparoscopic surgery.