Discrepancies in the Recommended Management of Adrenal Incidentalomas by Various Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Adrenal incidentalomas are being discovered with increasing frequency, and their discovery poses a challenge to clinicians. Despite the 2002 National Institutes of Health consensus statement, there are still discrepancies in the most recent guidelines from organizations representing endocrinology, endocrine surgery, urology and radiology. We review recent guidelines across the specialties involved in diagnosing and treating adrenal incidentalomas, and discuss points of agreement as well as controversy among guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed®, Scopus®, Embase™ and Web of Science™ databases were searched systematically in November 2019 in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement to identify the most recently updated committee produced clinical guidelines in each of the 4 specialties. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: There is little debate among the reviewed guidelines as to the initial evaluation of an adrenal incidentaloma. All patients with a newly discovered adrenal incidentaloma should receive an unenhanced computerized tomogram and hormone screen. The most significant points of divergence among the guidelines regard reimaging an initially benign appearing mass, repeat hormone testing and management of an adrenal incidentaloma that is not easily characterized as benign or malignant on computerized tomography. The guidelines range from actively recommending against any repeat imaging and hormone screening to recommending a repeat scan as early as in 3 to 6 months and annual hormonal screening for several years. CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing the guidelines and the evidence used to support them we posit that best practices lie at their convergence and have presented our management recommendations on how to navigate the guidelines when they are discrepant.

Minimally invasive approach to the adrenal gland in obese patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Introduction: The combination of Cushing's syndrome and obesity, one of the most common manifestations of the syndrome itself, may be associated with the worsening of post-operative outcomes in case of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This study focused on the laparoscopic treatment of Cushing's syndrome with the purpose to identify any relevant difference between morbidly obese, mildly obese and non-obese patients.Material and methods: Patients were retrospectively divided into three groups according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). Demographic characteristics, operative and post-operative data were collected. Data about different hemostatic devices were also collected and compared. Differences were analyzed with the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables.Results: No differences were found in operative time (101.5 ± 50.9 min; p = .919), conversion rate (2.6%; p = .655) or length of stay (4.3 ± 2.9 days; p = .886). Complication rate was 3% (p = .32), without any mortality. 95% of patients showed a complete resolution of hypercotisolyism-related symptoms, and a mean BMI reduction of 5 ± 3.2 kg/m2 (follow up = 6.3 ± 4.2 years). Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe and feasible in obese patients affected with Cushing's disease and it can lead to the resolution of the related symptoms.

Presentation and surgery outcomes in elderly with pheocromocytoma: a comparative analysis with Young patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presentation and early surgical outcomes of elderly patients undergoing adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective search was performed of our adrenal disorders database for patients who underwent surgery for phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma between 2009 and 2014. Patients >60 years old were classified as elderly. The clinical manifestations, intraoperative course, and early postoperative outcomes of elderly patients were compared to those of younger individuals (<60 years old). RESULTS: The mean (±standard deviation) age in the older (n=10) and younger (n=36) groups was 69.6±5.3 years and 34.0±12.9 years. Germ-line mutations were more common in younger patients (50.0% versus 0%; p=0.004), whereas incidental lesions were more common in the elderly (40.0% versus 5.3%; p=0.003). In both groups, surgery was most commonly performed by videolaparoscopy (90% in the elderly and 82% in the younger group), with similar intraoperative anesthetic and surgical outcomes. Postoperatively, the older group more commonly received vasoactive drugs (60.0% versus 10.5%; p<0.001) and had a longer intensive care unit stay (3.1±2.8 versus 1.4±1.0 days; p=0.014), more clinical complications (60% versus 18.9%; p=0.01), and longer hospital stay (10.2±8.4 versus 5.7±4.9 days; p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Although all patients received the same preoperative preparation, the elderly group exhibited a slower and more complicated recovery after adrenalectomy. Meticulous perioperative care should be used in the elderly when treating phaeochromocytoma; nevertheless, adrenalectomy is a relatively safe procedure in this patient population.

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy: results from American College of Surgeons-National Surgery Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: Although the existing literature suggests that laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be associated with less postoperative morbidity than open adrenalectomy, a comparison of the two approaches has not been published using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data. The objective of our analysis was to compare the 30-d outcomes after laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy using this data source. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP Participant User Files for 2005-2010 were used for this retrospective analysis, which included all patients with (1) a primary Current Procedural Terminology code for open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy and (2) a postoperative International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code for adrenal gland pathology. Primary outcomes were 30-d postoperative mortality, overall complication rate, and length of postoperative hospitalization. The association between surgical approach and primary outcomes were determined after adjusting for a comprehensive array of patient- and procedure-related factors. RESULTS: A total of 3100 patients were included for analysis (644 undergoing open versus 2456 undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy). Patients undergoing a laparoscopic procedure had significantly lower postoperative morbidity and shorter length of stay than patients undergoing an open procedure after adjustment for patient- and procedure-related factors. Similar findings were demonstrated for all indications, including malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the present study represents the largest comparison to date of laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy. Our findings suggest that the laparoscopic approach is associated with sizeable reductions in postoperative morbidity and length of postoperative hospitalization.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in surgery of the adrenal gland diseases].

In 2002-2012 yrs in The Department of Laparoscopic Surgery and Choledocholithiasis laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for various adrenal gland diseases was done in 94 patients. The operation time while doing right-sided and left-sided LA have had constituted, accordingly, at average (73.6 +/- 12.1) and (121.6 +/- 11.9) min, intraoperative blood loss - (49.3 +/- 9.2) ml. Hemotransfusion was not applied. There was no need for conversion. In 1 (1,1%) patient hemoperitoneum have had occurred as a consequence of traumatic injury of spleen while performing left-sided LA. Nonspeciphic postoperative complications were absent.

[Minimally invasive technique as the gold standard of adrenal surgery]. / A minimálisan invazív technika mint a mellékvese-sebészet "gold standardja"

INTRODUCTION: Minimal invasive surgery of the adrenal gland is a "gold standard" procedure worldwide. Authors compare operative data to a historical control group retrospectively analyzing an almost 15 years period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2011, 175 transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed with the lateral approach. On the left side, a new "suprasplenic" approach was introduced with the superior mobilization of the spleen, and transection of the short gastric vessels. For larger lesions (above 7 cm) hand assisted laparoscopic method was applied. RESULTS: Average operative time of laparoscopic surgery was 77 minutes, compared to 115 minutes of open surgery. The average size of the tumor was 3.1 cm in the laparoscopic, and 4.9 cm in the open group. The largest tumors were similar in both groups, however the rate of smaller sized lesions was higher in the laparoscopic one. Conversion was required in 15 cases (8.6%) mostly due to bleeding. Complication rate was 10.8% in the laparoscopic and 24.6% in the conventional group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter with the laparoscopic technique (4.5 vs. 8.1 days). Among laparoscopic cases unexpected primary malignancy was reported in 3 cases (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic technique is the procedure of choice in case of benign adrenal tumors, which offer many advantages. Most metastasis localized to the adrenals can also be removed laparoscopically with expertise and self-restraint, without oncologic compromise. To assure the quality of pre- and postoperative care, cooperation with an endocrinologist is indispensable.

International Histopathology Consensus for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a consensus for the nomenclature and definition of adrenal histopathologic features in unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). CONTEXT: Unilateral PA is the most common surgically treated form of hypertension. Morphologic examination combined with CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) immunostaining reveals diverse histopathologic features of lesions in the resected adrenals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgically removed adrenals (n = 37) from 90 patients operated from 2015 to 2018 in Munich, Germany, were selected to represent the broad histologic spectrum of unilateral PA. Five pathologists (Group 1 from Germany, Italy, and Japan) evaluated the histopathology of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and CYP11B2 immunostained sections, and a consensus was established to define the identifiable features. The consensus was subsequently used by 6 additional pathologists (Group 2 from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, United States) for the assessment of all adrenals with disagreement for histopathologic diagnoses among group 1 pathologists. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved to define histopathologic features associated with PA. Use of CYP11B2 immunostaining resulted in a change of the original HE morphology-driven diagnosis in 5 (14%) of 37 cases. Using the consensus criteria, group 2 pathologists agreed for the evaluation of 11 of the 12 cases of disagreement among group 1 pathologists. CONCLUSION: The HISTALDO (histopathology of primary aldosteronism) consensus is useful to standardize nomenclature and achieve consistency among pathologists for the histopathologic diagnosis of unilateral PA. CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry should be incorporated into the routine clinical diagnostic workup to localize the likely source of aldosterone production.

Adrenal-sparing surgery: current concepts on a theme from the past.

Adrenal insufficiency represents a debilitating condition which mandates lifelong steroid replacement and which is associated with significant long-term morbidity, due to either inadequate or excessive replacement. The concept of preserving healthy cortical tissue by means of partial adrenalectomy has evolved as a means of avoiding the detrimental consequences of adrenal insufficiency. The advent of advanced technology in adrenal surgery has greatly facilitated the performance of partial adrenalectomy, enabling utilization of this method in an increasing number of endocrine diseases. Hereditary pheochromocytoma, Conn's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, and non-functional adrenal masses represent the current indications for partial adrenalectomy, although the specific circumstances under which adrenal-sparing surgery should be proposed are still debatable. Partial adrenalectomy can be achieved by all types of minimally invasive surgery. In the absence of randomized, prospective, controlled studies designed to compare laparoscopic, retroperitoneoscopic, and robot-assisted partial adrenalectomy, none of these techniques has as yet been proven to be the gold standard for adrenal-sparing surgery. Apart from indications for surgery, results of surgery, and different types of partial adrenalectomy, controversial topics addressed in this review article include technical aspects such as the volume of residual adrenal tissue needed, ligation of adrenal vein, and means of tumor identification. Discussion of these controversial topics represents an attempt to define the role of partial adrenalectomy in modern adrenal surgery.

Defining the competencies for laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy: An investigation of intraoperative behaviors and decisions of experts.

BACKGROUND: Safe performance of laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy requires the application of a complex body of knowledge and skills, which are difficult to define, teach, and measure. This qualitative study aims to characterize expert behaviors, decisions, and other cognitive processes required to perform laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy. METHOD: Hierarchical and cognitive task analyses for right and left laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy were performed using semi-structured interviews and field observations of experts. Verbal data was supplemented with published literature, coded and thematically analyzed using constructivist grounded-theory by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A conceptual framework was synthesized. Sixty-eight tasks, 46 cognitive behaviors, and 52 potential errors were identified and categorized into 8 procedural steps and 8 fundamental principles: anticipation, exposure, teamwork or communication, physiology, dissection techniques, oncologic margins, tactical modification, and error recovery. Experts emphasized the importance of creating a 3-dimensional mental model of the anatomy or pathology (eg, aberrant vessels, tumor location) that is consistently fine-tuned throughout the operation, with conscious awareness of danger zones (eg, medial arc). Despite variations in dissection techniques, experts highlighted 2 themes: macrodissection and microdissection, with emphasis on nonlinear motions and effective transitions between the 2 when appropriate. CONCLUSION: This study defines behaviors and competencies that are essential to performing laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy effectively and safely.

Surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma: When and how?

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that is frequently asymptomatic at presentation, yet has a high rate of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Prognosis is overall poor, particularly with cortisol-producing tumors. While the treatment of ACC is guided by stage of disease, complete surgical resection is the most important step in the management of patients with primary, recurrent, or metastatic ACC. Triphasic chest, abdomen, and pelvis computer tomography (CT) scans and 18F flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography CT scanning are essential for accurate staging; moreover, MRI may be helpful to identify liver metastasis and evaluate the involvement of adjacent organs for operative planning. Surgical resection with negative margins is the single most important prognostic factor for survival in patients with ACC. To achieve the highest rate of R0 resection, open adrenalectomy is the gold standard surgical approach for confirmed or highly suspected ACC. It is extremely important that the tumor capsule is not ruptured, regardless of the surgical approach used. The best post-operative outcomes (complications and oncologic) are achieved by high-volume surgeons practicing at high-volume centers.

Volume-outcome relationship in adrenal surgery: A review of existing literature.

The relationship between operative volume and perioperative outcomes after several oncologic operations is well documented. Recent studies on adrenalectomy reveal a robust association between higher surgeon volume and improved patient outcomes. Statistical analyses have demonstrated that outcomes are improved when surgeons perform at least six adrenalectomies annually; based on this threshold definition of a 'high-volume' surgeon, more than 80% of adrenalectomies in the United States are performed by 'low-volume' surgeons. When compared to low-volume surgeons, high-volume surgeons on average achieve lower rates of postoperative complications and mortality, as well as a shorter length of hospital stay, and lower cost of hospitalization. There does not appear to be a similar association between hospital adrenalectomy volume and improved patient outcomes; however, there is evidence of benefit for the subset of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma. Despite limitations of existing literature, evidence is sufficient to recommend the referral of patients with adrenal tumors to high-volume surgeons.

Adrenal Venous Sampling: Where Do We Stand?

Adrenal venous sampling is the gold standard test to identify surgically curable primary aldosteronism, but it is markedly underused in clinical practice being perceived as a technically challenging and invasive procedure and, moreover, as difficult to interpret. This review provides updated information on current indications to adrenal venous sampling and how to perform and interpret adrenal venous sampling.

Total and partial laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy.

Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy, although rare, is a perilous condition. The wellbeing of mother and fetus are at stake if not diagnosed and treated antenatally and timely. The diagnosis is frequently overlooked because of the aspecific nature of signs and symptoms and confusion with pregnancy-related hypertension. Measurements of plasma or urinary free metanephrines have the highest diagnostic accuracy. MRI is preferred over ultrasonography. The optimal time for surgical removal is before 24 weeks of gestation or at/after delivery. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be preceded by medical pretreatment. Cesarean delivery is preferred in these patients; vaginal delivery might be considered in selected pretreated patients.

Perioperative Management of Endocrine Active Adrenal Tumors.

Endocrine active adrenal tumors are associated with a relevant risk of complications during surgery, either due to direct hemodynamic effects of the hormone excess or due to hormone related comorbidities. Over the last decades, careful preoperative evaluation and improved peri-interventional medical management of affected patients has resulted in a significant reduction of perioperative complications. In addition, improvement in anesthesia and surgical techniques with the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy have contributed to reduce morbidity. Nevertheless, there are still several challenges to be considered in the perioperative care of these patients. Due to the rarity of functionally active adrenal tumors, there are no prospective data available to guide clinical management. Accordingly, most recommendations are based on retrospective data analysis, expert opinion or carry weak evidence based on small series or case reports. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge and to suggest practical approaches to reduce perioperative complications in endocrine active adrenal tumors. This review exclusively deals with data from adult patients with functionally active adrenal tumors.

A four-step technique of robotic right adrenalectomy: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report a safe, quick and reproducible technique of robotically assisted right adrenalectomy (RRA), developed by assessing the surgical anatomy of the right adrenal gland, its vascularity, and the surrounding structures, through a high definition, magnified three-dimensional view of the operating field provided by the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyville CA, USA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients had RRA between January and July 2007 at the Vattikuti Urology Institute, for varied indications. We extensively reviewed published anatomical and surgical reports of the anatomy of the region to plan the surgical steps for RRA, careful reconfirming recognized anatomical facts and their probable significance. The surgical steps involved: (i) complete division of the hepatocolic ligament; (ii) definition of the right adreno-caval junction (ACJ); (iii) division of the right adrenal vein; (iv) dissection and removal of the adrenal gland circumferentially. The surgery was digitally recorded and reviewed. RESULTS: All the adrenalectomies were done transperitoneally through five ports, replicating predetermined surgical steps. There were no anaesthesia or surgery related events and no patient required conversion to open surgery. All the patients had an uneventful recovery and were discharged home 0-3 days after RRA. With increasing experience it was possible to reach the ACJ with minimal peripheral dissection. From a lateral approach, we visualized the adrenal vein travelling along the anterior portion of the gland before terminating at the inferior vena cava and the retrocaval location of the medial edge of the adrenal gland. The right adrenal vein (singular or duplicate) was the only surgically significant vessel, as the other vessels encountered were controlled with bipolar diathermy. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic assistance facilitated microdissection of fine anatomical planes around the right adrenal gland and provided direct access to the crucial ACJ. This technique permits ligation of the adrenal vein as an initial step, with no need to handle the adrenal gland. In the initial experience with four patients this technique was reproducible, regardless of indication or anatomical variance.

Are Cushing's disease patients curable?

Treatment of Cushing's disease remains a challenge. Whereas pituitary surgery can "cure" the patient and restore a completely normal pituitary adrenal axis, there are immediate failures and late recurrences which ultimately require alternate therapeutic approaches. These are numerous, but so are their drawbacks, and all appear to be "default options". For the future, pituitary adenoma has to remain the "reasonable obsession" of efficient and optimistic therapists….

Outcomes after adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism: an international consensus on outcome measures and analysis of remission rates in an international cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although unilateral primary aldosteronism is the most common surgically correctable cause of hypertension, no standard criteria exist to classify surgical outcomes. We aimed to create consensus criteria for clinical and biochemical outcomes and follow-up of adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism and apply these criteria to an international cohort to analyse the frequency of remission and identify preoperative determinants of successful outcome. METHODS: The Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) study was an international project to develop consensus criteria for outcomes and follow-up of adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism. An international panel of 31 experts from 28 centres, including six endocrine surgeons, used the Delphi method to reach consensus. We then retrospectively analysed follow-up data from prospective cohorts for outcome assessment of patients diagnosed with unilateral primary aldosteronism by adrenal venous sampling who had undergone a total adrenalectomy, consecutively included from 12 referral centres in nine countries. On the basis of standardised criteria, we determined the proportions of patients achieving complete, partial, or absent clinical and biochemical success in accordance with the consensus. We then used logistic regression analyses to identify preoperative factors associated with clinical and biochemical outcomes. FINDINGS: Consensus was reached for criteria for six outcomes (complete, partial, and absent success of clinical and biochemical outcomes) based on blood pressure, use of antihypertensive drugs, plasma potassium and aldosterone concentrations, and plasma renin concentrations or activities. Consensus was also reached for two recommendations for the timing of follow-up assessment. For the international cohort analysis, we analysed clinical data from 705 patients recruited between 1994 and 2015, of whom 699 also had biochemical data. Complete clinical success was achieved in 259 (37%) of 705 patients, with a wide variance (range 17-62), and partial clinical success in an additional 334 (47%, range 35-66); complete biochemical success was seen in 656 (94%, 83-100) of 699 patients. Female patients had a higher likelihood of complete clinical success (odds ratio [OR] 2·25, 95% CI 1·40-3·62; p=0·001) and clinical benefit (complete plus partial clinical success; OR 2·89, 1·49-5·59; p=0·002) than male patients. Younger patients had a higher likelihood of complete clinical success (OR 0·95 per extra year, 0·93-0·98; p<0·001) and clinical benefit (OR 0·95 per extra year, 0·92-0·98; p=0·004). Higher levels of preoperative medication were associated with lower levels of complete clinical success (OR 0·80 per unit increase, 0·70-0·90; p<0·001). INTERPRETATION: These standardised outcome criteria are relevant for the assessment of the success of surgical treatment in individual patients and will allow the comparison of outcome data in future studies. The variable baseline clinical characteristics of our international cohort contributed to wide variation in clinical outcomes. Most patients derive clinical benefit from adrenalectomy, with younger patients and female patients more likely to have a favourable surgical outcome. Screening for primary aldosteronism should nonetheless be done in every individual fulfilling US Endocrine Society guideline criteria because biochemical success without clinical success is by itself clinically important and older women and men can also derive post-operative clinical benefit. FUNDING: European Research Council; European Union's Horizon 2020; Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung; Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development-Medical Sciences; Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Ministry of Health, Slovenia; US National Institutes of Health; and CONICYT-FONDECYT (Chile).

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a prospective study comparing transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches]. / Estudo comparativo entre supra-renalectomia laparoscópica pelos acessos transperitoneal e retroperitoneal.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective protocol was used to compare transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic access for treatment of adrenal lesions. METHODS: Forty patients (19 male and 21 female) were submitted to laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Patients were operated by two surgeons. Twenty cases for each type of access (transperitoneal and retroperitoneal) were selected for analysis. Operative time, blood loss, time to oral intake, dose of analgesic, surgical complications, conversions, hospital stay and return to normal activities were compared for both approaches. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed. Operative mean time and time to oral intake were 3.6 h and 24 h for the transperitoneal and 2.5 h and 12 h for the retroperitoneal approach (p<0.05). There were no differences in blood loss, analgesia, hospital stay and time for return to normal activities. Complications were observed in two patients in the transperitoneal approach (retroperitoneal bleeding and pancreatitis) and there were three events in the retroperitoneal approach (hipercarbia, peritoneal laceration and pneumonia). No conversions occurred in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and efficient treatment for an adrenal mass of up to 10 cm. There are no relevant differences between the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approach. Choice of the laparoscopic approach rests upon particular aspects of each case or upon the surgeon's preference.

[Clinical experience of laparoscopic adrenalectomy: the National Defense Medical College experience].

Twenty-seven laparoscopic adrenalectomies (LapAdx) were performed at the National Defense Medical College between 1999 and 2004. We evaluated the results of LapAdx (group L) compared to the results of open adrenalectomy (group O). Twenty-six of the 27 LapAdx were successfully performed, but one patient with a large pheochromocytoma required open surgey because of arterial bleeding in the renal hilus. The mean operating time in group L (185 +/- 19 min) was not significantly different from that in group O (206 +/- 13 min). The mean estimated blood loss in group L (111 +/- 61 g) was significantly lower than that in group O (308 +/- 67 g). The starting time for oral feeding and for ambulation was significantly earlier in group L than in group O. There was a major complication (intraoperative bleeding) in which a group L patient required a blood transfusion. We also compared the surgical results of 26 patients in LapAdx divided chronologically into the first half and the last half to determine the surgical skill acquired. The operating time was significantly shorter and blood loss significantly less for patients in the last half. In addition, the operating time and blood loss for the first-time LapAdx operators were comparable with those of experienced surgeons. Our results support the efficacy and the minimal invasiveness of LapAdx. The accumulated experience and knowledge regarding laparoscopic surgery in our institute were important in improving surgical procedures and results.