Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma

To determine the safety and results of laparoscopic resection of benign pheochromocytomas. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign pheochromocytomas at all 3 Mayo Clinic sites between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2001. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, imaging studies, biochemical findings, operative intervention, and outcome were examined. Long-term follow-up was obtained via chart review and/or by direct telephone contact with the patient or a relative. Twenty-four women and 23 men with a mean age of 53.1 years (range, 16-81 years) underwent attempted laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas. In 5 patients, the procedure was converted to open laparotomy because of bleeding (2), inadequate exposure (2), and adhesions (1). The mean tumor size was 4.3 cm. The mean operative time (181.8 vs 140.5 minutes; P=.03), mean hospital stay (6.00 vs 2.64 days; P