Objective: To describe the results of 100 endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomies performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Design: Descriptive, retrospective.
Method: In the period August 1997-March 2008 100 endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomies were performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht. Data were collected retrospectively on patients, operations, complications and course following the procedure.
Results: In this period 88 unilateral and 6 bilateral EPRA procedures were performed in 94 patients. The most common indications for unilateral EPRA were pheochromocytoma (33), Cushing's syndrome (16) and Conn's syndrome (20). Preoperative diagnosis involved clinical examination, hormonal analysis and radiological imaging. Mean operative time was 110 min and showed a clear learning curve. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 30 ml. The median size of the lesions was 2.8 cm (range: 0.4-7.5). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 2 patients. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients, of which 2 were severe and 5 were mild. Surgical reintervention was required in 1 patient. Median postoperative stay was 3 days.
Conclusion: In experienced hands endoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for adrenal gland lesions.