Safety and feasibility of retroperitoneoscopic surgery for adrenal pheochromocytoma

    Yang ZhiShang, He Hui, Zhao Jun, Wu Dapeng

    (Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi¬ðan Jiaotong University, Xi¬ðan 710061, China)

    ABSTRACT: Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of retroperitoneoscopic surgery for adrenal pheochromocytoma. Methods 11 patients with pheochromocytoma and 32 patients with benign adrenal adenoma underwent retroperitoneoscopic surgery. The operation time, blood loss, complication, tumor size, and postoperative rehabilitation were analyzed retrospectively. Results Retroperitoneoscopic surgery for adrenal pheochromocytoma and benign adenoma was completed smoothly in all patients. There was a significant difference in operation time and blood loss between pheochromocytoma and adenoma groups. No difference was found in postoperative complication and rehabilitation. After surgery, clinical symptoms and signs disappeared gradually. Hormone measurement results were in normal values. Conclusion Based upon the efficacious preoperative medication, tumor localization, improvement of patient's general condition, and intraoperative cooperation between the surgeen and anesthetist, retroperitoneoscopic surgery for treatment of adrenal pheochromocytoma especially for small tumor is safe, feasible, and effective. ......