Advances in the techniques of localisation of adrenal tumours and their influence on the surgical approach to the tumour.

The results of attempts to localise adrenal tumours in 65 patients are presented. In the first series (1966-1978) adrenal phlebography and adrenal vein sampling located 18 of 20 (90%) of adrenocortical tumours and 18 of 19 (94%) phaeochromocytomas were defined by angiography and venous sampling. In the second series CT located 7 of 8 adrenocortical and all 6 intra-abdominal phaeochromocytomas. Scintigraphy located all 9 adrenocortical tumours and both of the phaeochromocytomas examined. Confidence in the ability of newer techniques allows the use of a flank incision in most cases, thus reducing the operative morbidity.