Abstract:
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.