Laparoscopic Surgery for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma:Report of 211 Cases

  Objective  To explore the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic surgery in treating adrenal pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

  Methods  The clinical data of 211 patients with pathologically confirmed adrenal pheochromocytomas (n=170) or paragangliomas (n=41) (ranges 2-16 cm in diameter) treated with laparoscopic surgery in our center from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Endocrine examinations, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and ¹³¹I MIBG were performed before surgery. Patients also received α-receptor blocker for 2-4 weeks preoperatively.

  Results  All the operations were successfully performed, with a mean operating time of (97±29) min (60-170 min) and a mean estimated blood loss of (84.6±56.3) ml (15-250 ml). The mean hospital stay after operation was (4.9±1.6) days (3-7 days). No major intraoperative complication was noted. Patients were followed up for 3-84 months, and 12 experienced recurrences, which were further diagnosed as malignant tumors.

  Conclusions  Surgery is required once a diagnosis of adrenal pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is confirmed. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for adrenal pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.