Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy: a comparative study of different techniques for vessel sealing.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the standard surgical approach to adrenal lesions. Adrenal vessel sealing is the critical surgical phase of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This study aimed at comparing perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy by means of radiofrequency energy-based device (LARFD) to those performed with traditional clipping device (LACD), while focusing on the different adrenal vessel control techniques. METHODS: Patients who underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal disease between January 1994 and April 2019 at the Surgical Clinic, Polytechnic University of Marche were included in the study. Overall, 414 patients met inclusion criteria for study eligibility: 211 and 203 patients underwent LARFD and LACD, respectively. Multiple models of quantile regression, logistic regression and Poisson finite mixture regression were used to assess the relationship between operative time, conversion to open procedure, length of stay (LoS), surgical procedure and patient characteristics, respectively. RESULTS: LARFD reduced operative time of about 12 min compared to LACD. Additional operative time-related factors were surgery side, surgery approach, conversion to open procedure and trocar number. The probability of conversion to open procedure decreased by about 76% for each added trocar, whereas it increased by about 49% for each added centimeter of adrenal lesion and by about 25% for each added year of surgery. Two patient clusters were identified based on the LoS: long-stay and short-stay. In the long-stay cluster, LoS decreased of about 30% in LARFD group and it was significantly associated with conversion to open procedure and postoperative complications, whereas in short-stay cluster only postoperative complications had a significant effect on LoS. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy performed by means of radiofrequency energy-based device for the sealing of adrenal vessels is an effective procedure reducing operative time with potentially improved postoperative outcomes.

Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy using da Vinci Xi vs. Si: are there differences?

Da Vinci Xi, the fourth generation platform, was released in 2014 and introduced as the successor to the Si platform for minimal invasive surgery. We reviewed our experience with robotic-assisted adrenalectomy and compared peri-operative outcomes using the da Vinci robot model Xi vs. Si. Since June of 2014, 85 consecutive patients underwent robotic-assisted adrenalectomy by a high-volume adrenal surgeon at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups: Xi group (n = 25) and Si group (n = 60). The average anesthesia time was 145.8 min for the Xi group and 170.4 min for the Si group (p = 0.001). The mean procedure time for the Xi group (skin to skin) was 92.1 min and for the Si group it was 122.5 min (p = 0.001). The average docking time for the Xi group was 18.2 min and for the Si group 20.3 min (p = 0.04). The average consumables fees for the Xi group were $1246 and for the Si group $1106 (p = 0.04). The calculated relative costs for the Xi group were $3375 and for the Si group $3527 (p = 0.03). The average post-operative hospital stay for the Xi group was 1.6 days and for the Si group 1.7 days (p = 0.18). Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy using the da Vinci Xi system is effective and efficient. This study shows that outcomes were similar between Xi and Si groups.

Feasibility and Safety of Clipless and Sutureless Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A 7-Year Single Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LAD) is considered the gold standard surgical method for resecting adrenal tumors. To date, only few small studies have investigated the safety of clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy in which the adrenal vessels were controlled by the LigaSure system or bipolar coagulation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of sutureless and clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy operations performed in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with functional adrenal tumors, nonfunctional adrenal tumors larger than 5 cm and secondary adrenal metastases from the kidneys, lungs or breasts who had underwent an LAD procedure between 2012 to 2019 were included in our study. In all of the cases, complete coagulation of adrenal veins was achieved through bipolar cautery and no vascular staplers, clips or other energy sources were used for controlling the adrenal vessels whatsoever. Outcomes of interest included operation time, length of hospital stay, changes of serum hemoglobin level, and occurrence of major complications. RESULTS: Of a total 251 patients, unilateral right and left-side adrenalectomy was performed in 168 and 67 cases, respectively, and 16 cases had underwent bilateral adrenal resection. The mean age (SD) of patients was 40.7 (13.6) years old at the time of operation and the mean size (SD) of the adrenal lesions was 5.2 (3.1) cm as measured by the greatest diameter. Histological examination showed that the most common pathology of the resected adrenal glands was pheochromocytoma (n=78). None of the laparoscopic operations required a conversion to open surgery. Also, major bleeding or other serious complications did not occur in any of the cases either intraoperatively or postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Clipless and sutureless laparoscopic adrenalectomy seems to be feasible and safe for removing adrenal tumors. Moreover, bipolar cautery is associated with an acceptable outcome for vessel closure.

Movement of target organs and anatomical landmarks caused by body position change during urological laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to elucidate the impact of patients' physical characteristics on the movement of target organs and anatomical landmarks by comparing supine and lateral CT images. METHODS: This study consisted of 55 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the lateral position. CT images of the area between the abdomen and pelvis were taken preoperatively with patients in both supine and lateral positions. We measured the moving distance of target organs and anatomical landmarks on the body surface used for access port settings. We investigated which covariates from patients' body composition most affected moving distance in correlation analysis. Then, using multiple linear regression analysis, we examined whether we could predict the movement of target organs and anatomical landmarks solely based on information obtained from supine CT images. RESULTS: The moving distance of both the hilum of the kidney and the outer edge of the rectus abdominis muscle were significantly associated with some physical characteristics. Multiple regression analysis showed that a larger visceral fat area could be a useful index for predicting the movement of the kidney toward the counter side. Lower CT density of back muscles and higher BMI could be useful indexes for predicting the movement of the rectus abdominis muscle. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that body composition characteristics obtained from preoperative CT images can help predict the movement of target organs and anatomical landmarks used to determine proper port-site placement for laparoscopic surgery performed with the patient in the lateral position.

Clinical Usefulness of a Self-Retaining Internal Organ Retractor for Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Adrenalectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Although laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESS-A) is feasible, it is still considered as a challenging procedure because of technical limitations. Making an optimal retraction is one of major obstacles in LESS-A, and it sometimes requires additional ports or needlescopic devices. Internal organ retractor (IOR) is a novel retraction device that is applied intracorporeally without additional port. In this study, we investigated the clinical usefulness of IOR in LESS-A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 73 consecutive patients who underwent LESS-A from March 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. Twenty-two patients underwent LESS-A with IOR and 51 patients without IOR. RESULTS: Mean age, body mass index, tumor size, operation time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were not significantly different between two groups. In IOR group, median number of applied IOR was 2.0 (1.0-3.0) per single operation. Mean time for application and removal was 80.0 and 46.5 seconds for a single IOR, respectively. There were no complications related to the IOR. In without IOR group, there were nine cases that needed needlescopic trocars, six cases that needed 5 mm or larger trocars, and one case that was converted to hand-assisted laparoscopy. However, we did not use any needlescopic instrument or additional trocar in IOR group. There was no case of open conversion in both groups. CONCLUSION: LESS-A could be done effectively and safely using IOR. IOR system maintained optimal retraction throughout the operation. Its application and removal are intuitive and take only a few minutes. We think IOR system is an attractive retraction method in LESS-A.

Unusual Techniques for Preserving Surgical and Oncologic Safety in Hepatectomy of Advanced Adrenal Malignancy with Vena Cava and Liver Invasion.

BACKGROUND: Status in terms of major vascular structure invasion is a crucial factor for successful major hepatic resection. In particular, surgery for advanced tumors with inferior vena cava (IVC) invasion is difficult and may even be dangerous for the patient, having high risk of massive bleeding and greater chance of embolic complications such as stroke, bowel ischemia, and pulmonary venous thrombosis. For such reasons, many surgeons hesitate to carry out such surgical resection, and even if they do so, may not totally remove the tumor including the part inside the IVC, achieving R1 resection. For safe and radical surgery, various surgical techniques are required. We report herein three cases of major hepatectomy with IVC invasion and discuss several surgical tips. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2011 to February 2014, we retrospectively reviewed three cases of adrenal malignancy with liver and IVC invasion. Based on the severity of the malignant tumor, each case illustrates a different method to address surgical complications and maintain oncologic safety. Case 1: A 34-year-old woman was diagnosed with adrenocortical tumor during medical examination. Tumor invaded the right lobe of the liver and very close to the IVC. Fortunately, there was little thrombosis inside the IVC; we performed right hemihepatectomy and adrenalectomy, then resected the IVC wall close to the tumor and repaired the IVC side wall using 4-0 Prolene. Case 2: A 54-year-old woman who complained of abdominal discomfort visited our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed huge adrenal mass with liver and IVC invasion. Thrombosis inside the IVC extended to the right atrium. We decided to carry out veno-veno bypass during operation in collaboration with heart surgeon. After application of veno-veno bypass, the right atrium wall was opened and the tumor thrombus removed. We then carried out right hemihepatectomy and adrenalectomy. Supra- and infrahepatic vena cava were clamped during tumor thrombectomy to prevent embolic complications. Case 3: A 51-year-old woman who complained of headache and hypertension visited our hospital and was diagnosed with huge adrenal tumor. Tumor invaded to the right lobe of the liver and encased the IVC. The tumor totally invaded the IVC, and massive bleeding was expected during dissection. We resected the tumor including IVC en bloc, and reconstructed IVC with artificial graft (Dacron) under veno-veno bypass. RESULTS: In case 1, there was no surgical complication. The patient was discharged 7 days postoperatively and underwent adjuvant chemotherapy (Mitotane) after discharge. Unfortunately, multiple hepatic metastases were identified 4 months after operation. She died 6 months after surgery. In case 2, there was no surgical complication after surgery. The patient was discharged 10 days postoperatively. Multiple liver and lung metastases were identified 4 months after operation, and pulmonary embolism was also diagnosed on chemotherapy. She died 16 months after operation. In case 3, the patient had no surgical complication in the immediate postoperative period and was discharged 14 days after surgery. Pheochromocytoma was confirmed in pathologic report. One month after discharge, she underwent interventional balloon dilatation due to short segmental collapse of suprahepatic IVC. At 42 months after surgery, she was still alive with no relapse. DISCUSSION: In advanced-stage malignant tumor, the conflict between achieving oncologic R0 resection and patient safety remains an unsolved issue. In particular, more advanced surgical technique is required when the tumor invades large vessels such as the vena cava. Previous reports on cases of advanced tumor invading liver and IVC have described the technical difficulties.1,2 Wakayama et al. reported cases of successful thrombectomy under veno-veno bypass in hepatocellular carcinoma with IVC and right atrium invasion,3 and Vicente et al.4 reported surgical resection of IVC thrombus without cardiopulmonary bypass. Major vascular invasion of the tumor is known to be a poor prognostic factor for survival. However, some reports state that, if the tumor invades major vascular structure, complete tumor removal might be helpful for patient survival due to the biologic features of the tumor.2,5,6 This video report does not describe any new techniques, but is more helpful for junior surgeons in educational terms. The limitation of this report is that we could not show good oncologic long-term survival after surgery. However, no fatal complications related to the surgical procedure occurred, by managing the tumor thrombus during the operation. We present three techniques with differing aggressiveness. The techniques illustrated in this video represent a good option to achieve patient surgical safety.

Pure Retroperitoneal Optical Access Trocar for Lumbar Diseases in Adults: A Step-by-Step Technique.

PURPOSES: The primary end point of this study was to describe step by step the technique of the pure retroperitoneal optical access trocar (PROAT) in adults. The secondary end point was to access between-group differences in perioperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic surgery using the PROAT technique to enter the retroperitoneal space (PROAT group). Thirty-nine patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic surgery using the conventional open-Hasson technique with manufactured Hasson-trocar and space-maker balloon to enter and create the retroperitoneal space (conventional group). PROAT technique was described. Data were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean time for first-entry trocar insertion was lower in the PROAT group (9.76±3.17 vs. 23±7.2 s; P<0.001). Mean time to develop the retroperitoneal space until all-trocar placement was higher in the PROAT group (12.7±3.3 vs. 6.4±2.2 min; P<0.001). Carbon dioxide gas leakage was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The PROAT technique is feasible and safe. This approach can potentially avoid carbon dioxide leakage when manufactured Hasson trocars are not available and allow a reduced-cost procedure.

A cost-conscious approach to robotic adrenalectomy.

In recent years, the use of robotic-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) has increased; however, many surgeons question its reported higher cost. In this study, we review our experience and strategies to reduce the cost of RA comparing it to Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Since May of 2010, 122 consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy (58 RAs and 64 LA) by a high-volume adrenal surgeon at our institution. A cost analysis was performed for RA versus LA. Cost calculations included anesthesia professional fee, procedure time and consumables fees. The calculated relative costs were $3527 for RA and $3430 for LA (p = 0.59). The average anesthesia time was 172.4 and 178.3 min for RA and LA, respectively (p = 0.40). The mean procedure times (skin-skin) were 124.4 min for RA and 129.1 min for LA (p = 0.50). Procedure time for the retroperitoneal approach was significantly shorter than the transabdominal approach for both the RA (101.2 vs. 126.6 min, p = 0.001) and LA group (104.4 vs. 135.4 min, p = 0.001). The average consumables fees were $1106 for RA versus $1009 for LA (p = 0.62). The average post-operative hospital stay was 1.7 days for RA and 1.9 days for LA (p = 0.18). This study shows that anesthesia and procedure times for RA were similar to those of LA. It also demonstrates that limiting the number of robotic instruments and energy devices while utilizing an experienced surgical team can keep the costs of RA comparable to those of LA.

Is the bipolar vessel sealer device an effective tool in robotic surgery? A retrospective analysis of our experience and a meta-analysis of the literature about different robotic procedures by investigating operative data and post-operative course.

BACKGROUND: The latest robotic bipolar vessel sealing tools have been described to be effective allowing to perform procedures with reduced blood loss and shorter operative times. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and reliability of these devices applied in different robotic procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All robotic operations, between 2014 and 2016, were performed using the EndoWrist One VesselSealer (EWO, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), a bipolar fully wristed device. Data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), were collected. Robot docking time, intraoperative blood loss, robot malfunctioning and overall operative time were analyzed. A meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to point the attention to three different parameters (mean blood loss, operating time and hospital stay) trying to identify how different coagulation devices may affect them. RESULTS: In 73 robotic procedures, the mean operative time was 118.2 minutes (75-125 minutes). Mean hospital stay was four days (2-10 days). There were two post-operative complications (2.74%). CONCLUSIONS: The bipolar vessel sealer offers the efficacy of bipolar diathermy and the advantages of a fully wristed instrument. It does not require any change of instruments for coagulation or involvement of the bedside assistant surgeon. These characteristics lead to a reduction in operative time.

Anterior Transabdominal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy, without Ligatures, for a Symptomatic Right Adrenal Myelolipoma with Intratumoral Hemorrhage.

Myelolipomas represent 3-7% fromthe primary tumors of the adrenal gland. Most often they are incidental findings. In most cases are asymptomatic, rarely they present symptoms (pain, abdominal discomfort, hematuria or signs of internal hemorrhage). Histologically benign, this variety of tumor requires only local excision, in symptomatic forms. Their dimensions are generally up to 4-5 cm, so the laparoscopic approach seems the most appropriate. We present the case of a 65 years old patient, electively operated for a right adrenal tumor formation.Alaparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed using an anterior transabdominal approach. No ligatures, clips or sutures were used. The intervention was accomplished with the Ligasure Maryland forceps and the Force Triad platform (Covidien Medtronic-USA). The postoperative evolution was favorable and the pathological examination highlighted an adrenal myelolipoma with intratumoral hemorrhage.

Surgical results of reduced port laparoscopic adrenalectomy using a multichannel port in comparison with conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: We introduced a modified laparoscopic technique, dual-incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy (DILA), using a newly designed multichannel trocar, and we evaluated its perioperative outcomes and operative costs and compared them to those of conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (CLA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 127 patients who underwent CLA with four trocars or DILA with two trocars at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea between October 2007 and September 2014. We analyzed the patients' surgical outcomes and perioperative morbidities. RESULTS: DILA was performed in 45 patients and CLA in 82 patients. There were no significant differences in operative time (DILA: 77.1 ± 28.4 minutes vs. CLA: 76.6 ± 28.0 minutes, p = 0.595) or estimated blood loss during surgery (DILA: 150.0 ± 85.5 mL vs. CLA: 175.5 ± 50.5 mL, p = 0.697). There were no differences in postoperative hospital stay, visual analog scale pain score, or postoperative complication rates between the two groups. However, the operative cost was significantly lower in the DILA group (DILA 813,603 ± 48,600 Korean won vs. CLA 968,368 ± 56,456 Korean won, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that DILA is a safe and feasible surgical approach for adrenal diseases. DILA may reduce the operative cost significantly compared with CLA.

Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single site adrenalectomy: A comparison of 3 different port platforms with 3 case reports.

RATIONALE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is currently the standard of care for adrenal lesion. Minimal invasive laparoscopic surgery such as laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) have been developed to improve cosmetic outcomes and reduce postoperative pain. However, there are still some problems related to instruments and port limitation during LESS surgery. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery may help to overcome these problems, and port platforms selection is an important issue. PATIENT CONCERNS: Three cases received robot-assisted LESS adrenalectomy due to adrenal tumor were enrolled. Blood loss, hospital stay, and analgesia injection were compared. DIAGNOSES: Preoperative evaluations were done in a usual manner. Benign tumors were suspect for two patients, while metastatic tumor could not be excluded for the other patient with prior malignancy history. The pathology reports were all benign adrenal cortical adenoma after operation. INTERVENTIONS: Three different port platforms, Da Vinci Single-Site Surgical Platform, GelPOINT, and homemade glove port were used. Trans-peritoneal approach was used for two patients, while the other one received trans-retroperitoneal approach. The advantage and disadvantage of different port platforms were discussed. OUTCOMES: All patients underwent the operation smoothly without major complications or conversion to open surgery. Blood loss amount was small, hospital stay was short, and only one patient received one single dose of opioid analgesia injection after the surgery. LESSONS: The main problems of LESS are the loss of a working triangle and the limitations of the instruments. Robot-assisted LESS may help surgeons overcome part of these problems. Many different port platforms are available, and based on our initial experience, we believe that the GelPoint may be a more suitable platform, for it maintains the endo-wrist function of the Da Vinci instruments, and allows the surgeon to design the position of ports freely to minimize external and internal collision.

[THE SPLEEN FIXING AS IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF PERFORMANCE OF LAPAROSCOPIC LEFT-SIDED ADRENALECTOMY].

Abstract The necessity of performance of orthotopic fixing of spleen after main stage of a left-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy was substantiated. The majority of patients, first of all ordinary or with a lean stature, are complaining on a temporary discomfort and pain in abdomen of various degree, what is connected with transition of a mobilized spleen in early postoperative period. A simple method of surgical fixation of spleen is putting of 2 or 3 sutures on dissected sheets of parietal peritoneum in region of mobilization of spleen and pancreatic tail, what is securely prevents such an unwanted signs and facilitate a postoperative period course.

Trocars: Site Selection, Instrumentation, and Overcoming Complications.

In recent years, laparoscopy and robot-assisted procedures have become more commonplace in urology. Incorporation of these techniques into clinical practice requires extensive knowledge of the surgical approaches and complex instrumentation unique to minimally invasive surgery. In this review, focus will be directed to laparoscopic trocars including differing subtypes, placement in select urologic procedures, and proper use with emphasis on the avoidance of complications. Differing methods for the development of pneumoperitoneum and the associated risks of each will be discussed. The aim of this article is to provide a complete review of laparoscopic trocar use for the practicing urologist.

Needlescopic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare the perioperative parameters of needle-assisted and conventional laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESS-A). METHODS: We compared 23 patients undergoing needle-assisted LESS-A with 29 patients undergoing conventional LESS-A at Hiroshima University Hospital between November 2009 and February 2014. Needle-assisted LESS-A was performed using a MiniLap instrument (Stryker, San Jose, CA, USA). We used this instrument to protectively retract the liver at the right side of the tumor and the spleen at the left side by grasping with a Securea endoscopic surgical spacer (Hogy Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Various parameters including insufflation time, estimated blood loss, pain scale, resumption of oral intake, transfusion rate, and complications were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: In all cases, LESS-A was completed successfully with no major intraoperative complications. Patients in both treatment groups had similar age, body mass index, sex, and laterality. Significantly, needle-assisted LESS-A was performed using the transumbilical approach rather than the subcostal approach. The insufflation time of the needle-assisted LESS-A was shorter than that of the conventional LESS-A (p = 0.0335). No patients required intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions. Retrospective design and the small sample size are main limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: Needle-assisted LESS-A was performed safely and in a manner that mitigated many of the difficulties of LESS surgery.

Hiperaldosteronismo primário, como descrito por Conn. Relato decaso / Hyperaldosteronism, as described by Conn. Case report

O hiperaldosteronismo primário é causa de hipertensão arterialsecundária, com possibilidade de cura após cirurgia em 30a 75% dos casos. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um casode hipertensão arterial secundária a adenoma adrenal produtorde aldosterona. Paciente feminino, 35 anos, natural de Beruri(AM), procedente de Manaus, foi admitida com pressão arterialde 220x125mmHg associada a fraqueza muscular de membrosinferiores e câimbras. Na história patológica pregressa, havia orelato de hipertensão arterial diagnosticada há 2 anos, em tratamentocom três classes de anti-hipertensivos. Durante internaçãoem hospital geral, o quadro relatado associado à hipocalemiae alcalose metabólica sugeriram diagnóstico de hipertensão arterialsecundária a hiperaldosteronismo primário. Níveis elevadosde aldosterona plasmática, com renina suprimida e relação aldosterona-renina elevada, confirmaram o diagnóstico de hiperaldosteronismoprimário. A tomografia computadorizada deabdome evidenciou lesão tumoral com 2,3x2,0cm em glândulasuprarrenal esquerda sugestiva de adenoma adrenal. Pacientefoi submetida a adrenalectomia à esquerda com histopatologiacompatível com adenoma adrenal. Seis meses após a cirurgia,paciente evoluiu com normalização da calemia, porém mantevehipertensão arterial com necessidade de terapia anti-hipertensiva,sem novos picos hipertensivos. Se hiperaldosteronismo primáriodiagnosticado precocemente, há possibilidade de cura dahipertensão arterial secundária após adrenalectomia, reduzindo o efeito deletério da mesma sobre os sistemas cardiovascular, cerebrovasculare renal.(AU)

The primary hyperaldosteronism is a cause of secondaryhypertension, with the possibility of healing after surgery in 30to 75% of cases. The objective of this study was to report a caseof secondary hypertension to aldosterone-producing adrenaladenoma. A female patient, 35 years, from Beruri (AM), Brazil,who came to Manaus, was admitted into the emergency room withblood pressure of 220x125mmHg, associated with lower limbmuscle weakness and cramps. In the past medical history, there wasa report of hypertension diagnosed 2 years before, and she was undertreatment with three classes of antihypertensive drugs. Duringhospitalization in a general hospital, the case reported associatedto hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis suggested a diagnosis ofhypertension secondary to primary hyperaldosteronism. Elevatedlevels of plasmatic aldosterone, suppressed renin and highaldosterone-renin relation suggested primary hyperaldosteronism.The abdominal computerized tomography scan revealed a tumor of2.3x2.0cm in the left adrenal gland, suggesting adrenal adenoma.Patient underwent left adrenalectomy and histopathology wascompatible to adrenal adenoma. After 6 months of surgery, thepatient experienced normalization of kalemia but kept arterialhypertension, requiring anti-hypertensive therapy, but had no othershypertensive peaks. Early diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronismallowed the cure of hypertension after adrenalectomy, reducingdeleterious effects of high blood pressure levels on the cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and renal systems.(AU)

[CYSTIC TUMORS OF SUPRARENAL GLANDS AND PECULIARITIES OF ITS SURGICAL TREATMENT].

The clinic experience for surgical treatment of patients, suffering cyst of suprarenal gland (SG), consisted of laparoscopic resection of SG together with a cyst and preserving a visually nonaffected parts of SG, due to what the risk reduction for chronic suprarenal insufficiency of various degree occurrence was achieved. The proposed method was applied in 49 (86.0%) patients of 57, who were operated on for the SG cysts. Intraoperative morbidity, complicated postoperative course and the recurrence occurrence after the SG resection were not observed. All the patients have had recovered, so application of restorational therapy was not needed. The proposed method of laparoscopic resection of SG together with a cyst, using modern instrumental methods of hemostasis (ultrasonic scissors), permits to avoid excessive resection of functioning parenchyma of SG, to reduce the risk for health and life of the patients, caused by chronic suprarenal insufficiency and intraoperative bleeding.

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments: technical considerations and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-port device and conventional straight laparoscopic instruments. METHODS: Between December 2010 and February 2012, LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomies were performed in 11 patients. Six patients had aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) and five patients had nonfunctioning tumors. A single-port access was created with an Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) through an incision of 2-3 cm beneath the tip of the 12th rib. All procedures were performed with straight laparoscopic instruments. RESULTS: All LESS procedures were successfully completed without conversion to traditional laparoscopic conversion. The tumors ranged from 1 cm to 4.7 cm (mean, 2.3 cm). The operative time was 71-257 minutes (mean, 121 minutes). Most patients (n = 8) had minimal blood loss; the other three patients had a blood loss of 150 mL, 100 mL, and 100 mL. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-6 days). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. Pathological examinations revealed negative surgical margins in all specimens. All patients with Conn's syndrome had an improvement in blood pressure and normalization of plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels; all patients were free of potassium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Our results clearly demonstrate that LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments.