Surgical management of adrenal cysts: single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of different surgical procedures used for managing benign adrenal cysts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The files of 245 patients presenting with adrenal masses was reviewed retrospectively; all had a thorough history taken and a physical examination. The radiological evaluation included abdominal plain X-rays, grey-scale abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography with contrast medium. According to their clinical situation, patients had surgical open, laparoscopic intervention or were managed conservatively. The short- and long-term outcome of the open and laparoscopic techniques were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-six (11%) patients presented with adrenal cysts; the mean (sd, range) age at the time of presentation for adults was 41.4 (15, 17-82) years, while a 1-month female neonate and 1-year-old boy presented with an adrenal cyst. The mean (sd, range) size of the cysts was 10 (3.5, 5-18) cm. Surgical intervention was the treatment of choice in 21 patients; 11 (42%) had open adrenalectomy, while 10 (38%) had laparoscopic intervention. Both groups were comparable in the term of cyst size and operative time, while the laparoscopically managed group had a shorter hospital stay. Five patients were followed with no surgical intervention. At a mean follow-up of 90 months all patients were symptom free, with no radiological evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for benign adrenal cysts. Compared with open techniques it has the advantages of a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and enhanced cosmesis. Unlike aspiration of cyst contents, the recurrence of adrenal cysts after surgical removal is unlikely.