Right robotic adrenalectomy for a 8cm pheochromocytoma (with video)

Please cite this article in press as: Sessa L, et al. Right robotic adrenalectomy for a 8 cm pheochromocytoma (with video). Journal of Visceral Surgery (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2015.06.010 Pheochromocytoma; Robotic surgery; Minimally invasive surgery; Robotics CT scan showed a 10 cm right adrenal tumor compatible with a pheochromocytoma. MIBG scintigraphy confirmed a right adrenal tumor single uptake. Routine biomolecular evaluation (SDHx and VHL genes) was negative for a familial disease. A totally robotic lateral transperitoneal right adrenalectomy was performed. The patient was placed in left lateral strict decubitus and flexed at the waist. An ‘‘open’’ right subcostal access was used to introduce a 12 mm optical trocar. Under laparoscopic vision (0◦ scope), 4 other trocars were introduced: two 8 mm right subcostal trocars, one 12 mm and one 10 mm trocars for the first-assistant’s left and right (liver retractor) hand, respectively. The robotic cart (da Vinci® Si Surgical System, Intuitive Surgical) was placed above the patient’s right shoulder and was docked. Intra-abdominal exploration confirmed the presence of a large retroperitoneal mass that completely modified the right suprarenal region. The right triangular ligament was divided and the liver was medially retracted. The right aspect of the vena cava was not initially accessible because of the large adrenal mass volume. Consequently, the tumor was first dissected, en bloc with the periadrenal fat, from the upper pole of the kidney and from lateral attachments to obtain an adequate mobilization of the adrenal mass allowing its rotation to better approach the right lateral and posterior aspects of the vena cava. Then, dissection was carried out progressively upward along the inferior vena cava on the medial margin of the tumor. Four large adrenal veins were consecutively dissected, clipped using nonabsorbable self-locking clips (Hem-o-lok®, Weck-Telefex Europe Ltd.), and divided. The adrenal mass was completely dissected and mobilized from its posterior aspect (iliopsoas muscle). Overall operative time was 90 minutes. No post-operative complication was observed hospitalization duration was 3 days. Pathology confirmed an adrenal pheochromocytoma, 8 cm in diameter with a PASS score 1 with R0 resection without capsular effraction.