Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignancy

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.01.021 Byline: William S. Cobb, Kent W. Kercher, Ronald F. Sing, B. Todd Heniford Abstract: The superiority of the minimally invasive approach to adrenal resections has been well documented for benign pathology. With technical advances and increased experience, surgeons have successfully performed laparoscopic adrenalectomies for metastatic and primary malignancies of the adrenal gland. The technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy as it pertains to malignant lesions is presented. A review of the literature demonstrates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastatic colorectal, lung, and renal tumors. For primary adrenal malignancies, radical resections can be effectively performed laparoscopically; however, continued long-term follow-up is needed to establish the minimally invasive technique as the preferred approach. Author Affiliation: Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., MEB No. 601, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA