Outcomes Of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Research Articles

Clinical predictors and significance of adherent periadrenal fat in laparoscopic adrenalectomy

BackgroundAdrenalectomy requires the anatomic preparation of the adrenal gland in the fat-rich retroperitoneal space. In the literature, it was shown that the retroperitoneal fat area affects surgical outcomes in laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Besides the quantity of retroperitoneal fat, its qualitative properties play hypothetically a significant role in the safety profile and perioperative parameters of LA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with adherent periadrenal fat.MethodsThe prospectively obtained demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of 44 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as adherent periadrenal fat (APAF) and non-APAF group. Periadrenal fat tissue was defined as adherent or non-adherent by the attending surgeon according to the difficulty in dissection of the adrenal gland from the surrounding fat tissue during the operation.ResultsThe rate of female gender and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was higher in the APAF group (respectively, p = 0.038 and p = 0.001). A ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off point was − 97 HU for APAF. On multivariable analysis using a stepwise regression model, we identified the presence of DM (OR = 5.073; 95% Cl = 2.192–12.387; p = 0.006) and ARFD > -97 HU (OR = 3.727; 95% Cl = 1.898–11.454; p = 0.008) as an independent predictor of APAF.ConclusionAPAF seems to affect the perioperative outcomes of LA in terms of operation duration but not perioperative complications.

Body mass index and outcomes of patients with laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionRecent advances in the field of medical imaging and minimal invasive surgery have improved the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas. Recent studies suggest increased morbidity and mortality among patients...

Robotic Adrenalectomy: Are We Expanding the Indications of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is accepted as the gold standard treatment for most adrenal pathologies. Open surgery is still considered the standard of care for large tumors and malignancies. In the past decade, robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has become an alternative to the laparoscopic and open approaches. The aim of this study was to analyze perioperative and postoperative outcomes in a series of consecutive nonselected patients undergoing a RA, to determine whether factors that negatively affect outcomes in LA (body mass index [BMI], size, and side of the tumor) have the same impact in RA. This is a single-center single-surgeon retrospective study with 43 patients who underwent a RA. Patients were divided into different groups according to tumor size (cutoff values of 5 or 8 cm), tumor side (left/right), and BMI (cutoff value of kg/m2). Perioperative and postoperative outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, readmissions, complications, and conversions to open. There were no significant differences between the groups with tumors <5 cm versus ≥5 cm regarding gender, age, race, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, history of previous abdominal surgery, tumor side, and histopathological diagnosis (all P values ≥.06). There were no significant differences in any of the outcomes analyzed with respect to the tumor size (all P values ≥.14) except for a higher occurrence of complications in patients with tumors ≥8 cm versus <8 cm (P = .03). There were no significant differences in any outcomes related to side (left versus right) of the tumor nor BMI (<30 versus ≥30 kg/m2). The overall readmission and conversion rates were both 2.3% and no mortalities were registered. Patient's BMI, tumor side, and size did not demonstrate a negative impact on perioperative and postoperative outcomes of RA. This approach could potentially expand the indications of minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy for localized (stage 1/2) adrenocortical carcinoma: Experience at a single, high-volumecenter

Open adrenalectomy is considered a standard operative approach for adrenocortical carcinoma, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy remains controversial. We analyzed our outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and open adrenalectomy for localized (stage 1/2) adrenocortical carcinoma in our hospital. This study retrospectively reviewed all patients with stage 1/2 adrenocortical carcinoma and a tumor size < 10 cm who underwent radical resection in our hospital between 2009 and 2017. These patients were divided into laparoscopic adrenalectomy and open adrenalectomy groups. Demographics, operative data, and follow-up outcomes were collected. The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between laparoscopic adrenalectomy and open adrenalectomy group. A total of 23 patients operated by an open adrenalectomy and 21 patients operated with a laparoscopic adrenalectomy were included. Baseline patient characteristics (age, sex, tumor size, hormonal secretion) were similar between 2 groups. The mean postoperative stay was less in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy group (P = .003). The mean follow-up time was similar for the two groups (33 ± 24 vs 35 ± 25 months; P = NS). The local and peritoneal recurrence rates were 42% for laparoscopic adrenalectomy and 22% for open adrenalectomy (P = .035). Time to local and peritoneal recurrence was less in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy than in the open adrenalectomy (P = .048). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival for open adrenalectomy versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy were 43% vs 47% (P = .635) and 36% vs 39% (P = .802), respectively. We believe that open adrenalectomy should still be considered the standard operative management of adrenocortical carcinoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may not provide patients with localized adrenocortical carcinoma with an equivalent oncologic outcome based on site and timing of initial tumor recurrence.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Between Patients With Nonfunctioning Adrenal Adenomas and Subclinical Cushing Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Between Patients With Nonfunctioning Adrenal Adenomas and Subclinical Cushing Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Elderly Patients.

With increase life expectancy, surgical indications in elderly become more frequent. The aim of this study was to analyze indications and outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients over 75. Between 1994 and 2014, 641 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Preoperatively, all patients had a standardized preoperative work-up. Patients over 75 were compared with a control group of younger patients. The median age was 52 years (41 to 61) and 3.6% of patients (n=23) were over 75. Patients over 75 were more frequently operated for malignant lesion (21.7% vs. 4.7%; P=0.005). There was no postoperative mortality. Conversion rate was 3.4% (n=22), with no significant difference between the groups. The overall morbidity and severe morbidity rates were, respectively, 16.9% and 3.3%, with no significant difference between the groups. In experienced team and for selected patients, laparoscopic adrenalectomy after 75 years is safe, without increased postoperative morbidity, as compared with younger population.

The Impact of Resident Participation on Surgical Outcomes in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

The Impact of Resident Participation on Surgical Outcomes in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with subclinical Cushing syndrome

Subclinical Cushing syndrome in patients with adrenal incidentalomas has been associated with an increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. The management of these patients, be it conservative or surgical, is still debated, but there is accumulating evidence that surgery is best and that laparoscopic adrenalectomy, when possible, is the most preferred procedure. Here we present the short- and long-term results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for subclinical Cushing syndrome and determine the effect of this procedure on components of the metabolic syndrome. Twenty-nine patients, 8 men and 21 women with adrenal incidentalomas and subclinical Cushing syndrome who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy, were studied retrospectively. They had undergone postoperative follow-up for improvement or worsening of their arterial blood pressure, body weight, and fasting glucose level for a mean period of 77 months. Preoperatively, 17 patients (58.6 %) had arterial hypertension, 14 (48.3 %) had a body mass index exceeding 27 kg/m(2), and 12 (41.4 %) had diabetes mellitus. Postoperatively, a decrease in mean arterial pressure was found in 12 patients (70.6 %), a decrease in body mass index in 6 patients (42.9 %), and an improvement in glycemic control in 5 patients (41.7 %). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is beneficial in many patients with subclinical Cushing syndrome because it reduces arterial blood pressure, body weight, and fasting glucose levels. Prospective randomized studies are needed to compare laparoscopic adrenalectomy with a conservative approach and to confirm these results.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metachronous ipsilateral metastasis following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

IntroductionAlthough laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is considered as a gold standard approach for adrenalectomy, there are minimal data describing options and outcomes of LA after previous ipsilateral nephrectomy (PIN).AimTo describe our results in a group of patients who underwent LA after PIN.Material and methodsFrom August 2004 to October 2012 we performed at our institution 88 LA. Of this amount we performed 5 LA for metachronous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after PIN. This group was compared to a group without previous nephrectomy.ResultsThe group comprised 4 men (80%) and 1 woman (20%); the mean age at the time of surgery was 66.8 ±8.5 (range: 60-77) years; the mean period between nephrectomy and adrenalectomy was 5.2 (range: 1.5-14) years; the operating time was longer in patients after PIN for 7 min; the mean blood loss was higher by 22 ml; duration of hospitalization was shorter by 1.3 days, paradoxically, compared with patients without PIN. There was no need for conversion to open surgery and we did not observe any other complications.ConclusionsLaparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastasis of RCC after PIN is a technically feasible method in selected patients and it is associated with no significant differences in perioperative data in comparison with the group without prior nephrectomy. The patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery. The performance has required an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Metachronous Metastases After Ipsilateral Nephrectomy for Renal-Cell Carcinoma

While laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is considered the standard of care for removal of small adrenal masses, there are minimal data describing the feasibility and outcomes of LA after previous ipsilateral nephrectomy (PIN). The purpose of the study was to describe the perioperative outcomes in a series of patients who were undergoing LA after PIN. Using an institutional database, we identified patients who underwent LA since 2002 by a single surgeon. Clinical and pathologic data were collected and analyzed. To evaluate outcomes, patients undergoing LA after PIN were compared with patients undergoing LA without PIN. Of 54 consecutive patients undergoing LA, 8 had PIN for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). Estimated blood loss was not significantly greater in patients with PIN: 50 mL vs 100 mL, P=0.109. Operative time was longer in patients with PIN: 120 minutes vs 156 minutes, P=0.015. There was no difference in length of hospital stay between groups: Median 2 days for both groups, P=0.635. One patient in the PIN group had a conversion to open adrenalectomy and needed blood transfusion. Perioperative complications were seen in 5/46 (10.6%) patients without and in 1/8 (12.5%) patients with PIN. Surgical margins were negative in all patients. To the authors' knowledge, this study represents the largest experience with adrenalectomy in the reoperative setting. LA after PIN is associated with a longer operative time. While the potential for conversion is possible, it is technically feasible in selected patients and thus far appears to be associated with similar perioperative outcomes compared with patients without PIN.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Laparoscopic Adrenal Surgery

The aim of this article is to define the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. A total of 172 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group I, normal weight; group II, overweight; and group III, obesity. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. The median operative time was 72, 75, and 90 minutes in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The median blood loss was <50 mL in all groups. There were no intraoperative blood transfusions. There was no statistical difference in the rate of intraoperative incidences and postoperative complications. Moderately increased operative time was the only perioperative parameter that statistically differed from nonobese patients. The regression analysis found significant but weak correlation between BMI and operative time. The BMI did not correlate with other surgical outcomes. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery for obese patients can be done as safely as for nonobese patients.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients with Cushing’s and subclinical Cushing’s syndrome: a single center experience

We retrospectively examined the outcome of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's/subclinical Cushing's syndrome in our single institute. Between 1994 and 2008, a total of 114 patients (29 males and 85 females, median age 54 years) with adrenal Cushing's/subclinical Cushing's syndrome were studied. We compared the outcome of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. Surgical complications were graded according to the Clavien grading system. We also examined the long-term results of subclinical Cushing's syndrome after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic surgical outcome did not differ significantly between patients with Cushing's syndrome and those with subclinical Cushing's syndrome. Patients who underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal adrenalectomy had longer operative time than those who received retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (188.2 min vs. 160.9 min). However, operative blood loss and surgical complications were similar between both approaches. There were no complications of Clavien grade III or higher in either intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. We confirmed the improvement of hypertension and glucose tolerance in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing's/subclinical Cushing's syndrome is safe and feasible in either intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. The use of the Clavien grading system for reporting complications in the laparoscopic adrenalectomy is encouraged for a valuable quality assessment.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy by general surgeons familiar with laparoscopic surgical skills: Experiences of a single center

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is still considered an advanced procedure requiring a high level of skills with potentially lethal pitfalls. We report our clinical outcomes of 50 cases of LA, and discuss whether a general surgeon is suitable to perform LA, and the effect of mentor-initiated training on improving outcomes. Patients' age and sex, size of tumor, preoperative diagnosis, procedure details, intra- and postoperative complications, operation time, final histological diagnosis, and length of stay of 50 consecutive cases of LA were collected through a review of hospital charts. These cases were divided into two equal consecutive groups. The first 25 cases were named Group A, and the latter 25 cases were named Group B, and two groups were compared. Median operation time in Group B (110 min) was significantly shorter than that in Group A (125 min) (P=0.021). Mean postoperative hospital stay in Group B (7.0 ± 2.8 days) was significantly shorter than that in Group A (10.9 ± 8.8 days) (P=0.019). Only one case (Group B) of 50 LA (2%) required a conversion to open adrenalectomy because of failure to control bleeding during dissection. Under mentor-initiated training, general surgeons with experience of more than 50 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomies can attain favorable clinical outcomes in LA.

Energy-based hemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenalectomy

In literature, few papers compare different hemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This sequential cohort study analyzes the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed by different hemostatic instruments, to evaluate if any of them has any advantage over the other and as secondary endpoints, the impact of body mass index (BMI) and tumor size on the indication, and the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Forty-six patients, aged 54.6 +/- 46 years, underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy over 5 years. Mean BMI was 27 +/- 4.8 kg/m(2). Twenty-four patients had a left tumor, and 22 had a right one. Patients were divided into two groups according to the hemostatic device: Ultracision was used in 26 patients, and Ligasure was used in 20. Groups were well matched for histology, tumor size and site, BMI, gender, and age. Mean operating time was 126.5 +/- 52 min, blood losses were 101 +/- 169 mm, conversion rate was 6.5%, morbidity was 26%, and hospitalization was 5.3 +/- 2.5 days. Groups did not differ for surgical time, blood losses, complications, and conversion rate; BMI and length of surgery were not related. Tumor side and size did not affect surgical time, regardless of the hemostatic tool. Patients submitted to left adrenalectomy bled more (p = 0.007) and had more complications (p = 0.016) than those undergone operation on the right side. Obesity (BMI > 30) and large masses do not contraindicate laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Left adrenalectomies bleed more and have a higher morbidity. Hemostatic device choice is up to surgeon's preference.

Surgery of adrenocortical cancer

To review the current role and outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in the management of adrenal tumours.A Medline search using the keywords (adrenalectomy, laparoscopy, adrenal masses/tumours) was done for reports published between 1990 and 2011. Key articles were used to find more relevant references on the evaluation and laparoscopic management of adrenal masses.The hormonal evaluation is not standardised, but initial screening tests are recommended and followed with confirmatory ones when positive, equivocal or the clinical presentation suggest adrenal hyperfunction. The imaging studies had, and continued to, advance, especially computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron-emission tomography/CT. These advances have increased the accuracy of the diagnosis of adrenal masses, with a reported high sensitivity and specificity of 95–100%. The introduction of laparoscopy has resulted in more adrenal lesions being removed, especially incidental lesions smaller than the 5–6 cm that was previously the indication for surgical excision. The technique has developed and larger lesions of >6 cm are now considered for LA in the proper setting. The transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are currently widely practised, with minor differences in the outcome. The reported outcome, although mostly retrospective, is excellent and with fewer complications. The role of LA for adrenal malignancy should be considered cautiously. Preoperative imaging signs of invasion into surrounding structures should be considered a contraindication for LA.LA is the standard procedure for most adrenal lesions of appropriate size and no signs of surrounding tissue invasion, giving an excellent outcome.

Long-term results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism

The management of primary aldosteronism is currently achieved by both medical and surgical treatment. Laparoscopy has in recent years unquestionably become the gold standard in adrenal surgery for benign lesions. This study aims to evaluate our clinical results among patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for primary aldosteronism. From January 1994 to January 2006, amid LA series, 59 primary aldosteronism patients were treated in our institution. Patients were 33 males and 26 females with mean age 49.3 yr (19-78). The mean body mass index was 25.9 kg/m2 (20.5-33.3). The mean size of lesion was 2.9 cm (1-5.5). Clinical symptoms were as follows: hypertension and symptomatic/asymptomatic hypokalemia (54), hypokalemia (5). Thirty-five left and 24 right LA were performed. On the left side, 22 procedures were carried out by anterior approach, 9 by anterior submesocolic route, and 4 by means of flank approach. All right procedures were completed by the anterior supine approach. The mean operative time was 103.5 min for left and 92.8 min for right adrenalectomy. There was one major complication, a colonic post-operative fistula, regarding a left adrenalectomy case. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 3 days (1-9). The cure rate of hypertension and hypokalemia was similar to the current literature results. LA is a safe and effective option in the treatment of primary aldosteronism. Appropriate selection of patients, larger adrenal masses and duration of symptoms are determining factors in the success rate of hypertension management.

Whether adrenal mass more than 5 cm can pose problem in laparoscopic adrenalectomy? An evaluation of 22 patients

To evaluate technical feasibility and analyze outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for large adrenal masses more than 5 cm. The data of 22 patients (8 men, 14 women), who underwent LA for adrenal masses >5 cm between January 1995 and July 2007 were analyzed for this study. Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 42.5 years underwent LA for large adrenal masses (>5 cm) between January 1995 and July 2007. Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TPLA and RPLA) was performed in 15 and 7 patients, respectively. The mean-operative time, blood loss, tumor size and hospital stay were 149.33 and 132.1 min, 132.33 and 94.28 ml, 7.85 and 5.85 cm and 3.5 and 3.28 days, respectively. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed adrenal carcinoma in 5, pheochromocytoma in 14, myelolipoma in 2 and adenoma in 1 patient. Two patients of pheochromocytoma had required open conversion, one from each group (TPLA and RPLA). Three patients had postoperative complications (wound infection 1, pneumonitis with fever 1 and retroperitoneal collection 1). The size of an adrenal mass on preoperative imaging studies alone should not be the primary factor in determining whether LA should be performed. LA for adrenocortical cancers could be performed safely and effectively in the selected group. Transperitoneal approach is most suitable and recommended for large adrenal tumor and adrenal carcinoma to employ laparoscopy. One approach (TP or RP) over the other also does not lead to the substantial benefits either to the patients or to the surgeon.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomies: A nationwide single-surgeon experience

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) was first performed in Iceland in 1997. Since then, all procedures for presumed benign lesions of the adrenals have been performed laparoscopically in a single center. Compared with conventional adrenalectomy, LA appears to achieve superior results in terms of recovery, hospital stay, and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the results of LA in Iceland. The hospital records of all patients who underwent LA in Iceland from 1997 through 2005 were reviewed. The preoperative diagnosis was documented, as well as the pathologic diagnosis, operative details, complications, and length of hospital stay. In 49 operations, 53 adrenal glands were removed from 48 patients (37 women and 11 men). The mean patient age was 53.6 years (range, 24.4-78.8 years). The left adrenal was removed from 29 patients, the right adrenal from 14 patients, and both adrenals from 5 patients. The most common indications and diagnoses included 17 nonsecreting tumors (12 adenomas, 3 hyperplasias, 1 complex adrenal cyst, and 1 hemangioma), 12 aldosteronomas (10 aldosteronomas and 2 nodular hyperplasias), and 10 pheochromocytomas (9 confirmed, 1 adrenal hyperplasia). Other indications and diagnoses were less common. The mean operative time was 168 min (range, 87-370 min) for unilateral operations and 412 min (range, 345-480 min) for bilateral operations. The mean blood loss was 117 ml (range, 0-650 ml) for unilateral operations and 200 ml (range, 0-350 ml) for bilateral operations. The complications were mild pancreatitis (n = 1), urinary tract infection (n = 1), atelectasis (n = 1), mild congestive heart failure (n = 2), and transient corneal abrasion (n = 1). No conversion to open procedure was needed. The mean tumor size was 3.5 cm (range, 1.5-6.2 cm), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.6 days (range, 1-6 days). The results of laparoscopic adrenalectomies in Iceland for benign lesions of the adrenals are comparable with published results from large referral centers.

Outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Clinical experience with 68 patients

The aim of this study was to analyze feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Pathology, size and bilateral site of lesions were considered. Between December 1998 and May 2007 in our institution a total of 68 patients of mean age of 53 years underwent unilateral (n=57) or bilateral (n=11) LA. Adrenal masses averaged 5.4cm in size (range 1.2-13cm) and 56.7g in weight (range 10-265) including 71 benign and 8 malignant lesions. A total of 79 adrenal glands were resected, 44 right sided and 35 left sided. Removal was complete in 77 cases and partial (sparing adrenalectomy) in 1 patient affected by bilateral pheochomocytoma. Three left adrenalectomies for pheochromocytoma were robot-assisted. The transperitoneal lateral approach was preferred and the posterior retroperitoneal approach was adopted in 5 patients. The mean duration of surgery for each LA was 138+/-90min and 3.8 trocar were used on average (range 3-6). Conversion was needed in 3 cases owing to difficult dissection of large masses. Estimated mean blood loss for each LA was 95+/-30ml and it was greater for bilateral LA. Mortality was nil and morbidity was 5.8%. The average length of hospital stay (LOS) in surgical unit was 4+/-2.4 days (range 2-8). Patients affected by hormone secreting or bilateral lesions, by unilateral or bilateral pheochromocytoma and by bilateral Cushing's disease were transferred to the endocrinological ward so that their overall hospital stay was prolonged to 9+/-2.8 days on average (range 7-17). Mean duration of follow-up of patients was 38 months (range 2-100) and demonstrated acceptable endocrine results. Three primary cortical carcinomas were discovered as chance findings on histologic examination. While long-term results after LA for cortical carcinomas were poor and LA is not recommended in such cases, long-term results after LA for adrenal metastases were encouraging.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy—Is It Any Different in Phaeochromocytoma and Non-Phaeochromocytoma?

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for phaeochromocytoma is a feasible, safe and effective treatment. The effects of associated catecholamine release render LA more challenging, although with comparable morbidity to LA for other diseases of the adrenal gland. Data from case records of 44 patients who underwent LAs between May 2002 and May 2006 were analysed retrospectively. The patients were divided into a phaeochromocytoma group (Group I) and a non-phaeochromocytoma group (Group II). The aim of this study was to assess the operative course and outcome of LA in the two groups. The mean operating time and blood loss were slightly higher in LA for phaeochromocytomas compared to LA for other pathologies, but these differences were not statistically significant. The mean hospital stay was 3.84 days in both groups. The phaeochromocytoma group had a slightly higher complication rate of 21% compared to 12%. None of the procedures needed open conversion. A terminal hand assist was employed in two patients in Group I and one patient in Group II. Two patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma had single stage bilateral LA. LA is feasible and effective in phaeochromocytoma. It is associated with a slightly longer operating time, more blood loss and complications when compared with non-phaeochromocytoma masses. LA can be done in a single operation for bilateral masses. Terminal hand assist is a viable and effective option for very large masses.