RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy is now a widely used method for removal of functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumors. This paper reports our experience in laparoscopic transperitoneal removal of functioning adrenal tumors including pheochromocytoma, Cushing's disease and aldosteronoma. METHODS: Between May 2001 and April 2006, 29 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. In 37 patients (10 patients with bilateral adrenalectomy) adrenalectomy was performed for Cushing's disease, while 28 patients had aldosteronoma. In 2 patients adrenalectomy was performed for virilizing adenoma. RESULTS: All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were finished successfully, and no open surgery was necessary. Major postoperative complications were not observed. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. No patient required blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning adrenal tumors proved a safe and minimally invasive procedure. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, in comparison with open surgery, has numerous advantages, including a shorter length of stay, shorter time to return to preoperative level of activity, better cosmetic effect, and decrease in postoperative pain.