Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal ganglioneuroma: clinical characteristics presented and literature reviewed

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of adrenal ganglioneuroma. Methods The clinical data of 8 cases of adrenal ganglioneuromas at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Amang these 8 cases, 5 tumors were located in the right side while 3 were in the left side. The age was 26 to 67 years old.The mean tumor size was 5.0 cm, ranged from 2.5 cm to 9.7 cm. Results Among these 8 cases, 6 cases were performed laparoscopic adrenalectomy successfully. The other two cases were followed up without surgical intervention. The operative time was 45-120 min and blood loss was 30-450 ml without blood-transfusion. one patient whose inferior vena cava has been injured during the laparoscopic adrenalectomy and finally has been repaired with laparoscope successfully.The patients performed operations all diagnosed as adrenal ganglioneuromas by pathology. Eight cases were followed-up 3 months to 5 years. No patient has tumor recurrence. Conclusions Adrenal ganglioneuroma is a benign neurogenic tumor without specific clinic symptoms. Laparoscopic adrenalec tomy is safe and effective, however great vessels nearby must be protected during the operation. Key words: Ganglioneuroma; Adrenal neoplasm; Surgical treatment