Surgical considerations for removal of giant tumor of the right adrenal.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Complete surgical removal is the only potentially curative approach for adrenal tumors. Our series of patients affected with giant right adrenal tumors, as well as the open surgical modalities used to obtain a complete tumor resection with safe vascular control were analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients (mean age=57 years) affected with a giant right adrenal tumor who underwent open surgical removal of the mass form the basis of the present analysis. A midline incision was performed. Large mobilization of the liver was performed to obtain good and safe exposure of the vascular pedicles.

RESULTS

An en bloc R0 tumor resection was accomplished in all cases. Histology revealed an adrenal cortical carcinoma in all patients. No local recurrence was noted at a mean follow-up of 14 months.

CONCLUSION

Radical surgery is the only curative approach and is recommended for all patients, whenever technically feasible, through open access in cases of giant right adrenal carcinoma.