Surgical treatment of pheochromocytomas: laparoscopic or conventional?

BACKGROUND

The use of minimally invasive techniques in the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma is controversial because of possible intraoperative excessive hormone release resulting in cardiovascular instabilities.

METHODS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in nine patients with a total of 10 pheochromocytomas. Conversion was required in two cases. The relevant data were prospectively documented and compared with a historical group of nine patients who had undergone conventional transabdominal adrenalectomy for unilateral pheochromocytoma.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic operations lasted significantly longer than the conventional procedures (median 243 min vs. 100 min, p < 0.01). Intraoperative cardiovascular instabilities (tachycardia, hypertension) occurred in seven laparoscopically and eight conventionally treated patients. All were easily controlled. Blood transfusions were necessary in four patients in the conventional and one patient in the laparoscopic group. Postoperative hospital stay and duration of analgetic treatment were significantly shorter after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure for patients with pheochromocytoma.