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Neuropeptide Y mRNA and immunoreactivity in hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons: effects of adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) coexists with vasopressin or oxytocin in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract. Using quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, we have studied the effects of adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation, either alone or in combination, on NPY mRNA expression and NPY immunoreactivity in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, and arcuate nucleus (Arc). Adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation each increased NPY mRNA levels in magnocellular neurons of the PVN and SON, while the combination of both treatments had an additive effect. In the Arc, only the combination of adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation increased NPY mRNA levels. Chronic osmotic stimulation also resulted in a marked increase of NPY-immunoreactive magnocellular perikarya in the PVN and SON. In contrast, adrenalectomy had only minor effects on the number of NPY-immunoreactive magnocellular PVN/SON perikarya. Neither chronic osmotic stimulation nor adrenalectomy affected the number of NPY-immunoreactive Arc perikarya. However, adrenalectomy decreased the number of NPY-immunoreactive nerve terminals in the external zone of the median eminence, while chronic osmotic stimulation increased the number of immunoreactive nerve fibers in the internal zone of the median eminence. The present study provides evidence that adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation can separately influence NPY gene transcription in magnocellular hypothalamo-neurohypophysial neurons, while only the combined effect of adrenalectomy and chronic osmotic stimulation increases NPY mRNA expression in neurons of the Arc.

Adrenalectomy↗

Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy for persistent Cushing's disease after transsphenoidal surgery.

BACKGROUND: We performed bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomies on four patients (three women and one man) with Cushing's disease (pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome) showing persistent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS: The technique for bilateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy was derived from the one previously adopted by our group for unilateral adrenalectomy and previously described. Eight trocars were used, of which two were used for both left and right adrenalectomy. RESULTS: Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in a one-stage procedure in the three women and, because of the abundant abdominal fat of the patient, in a two-stage procedure (after a 1-week interval) in the man. Operating times for the three women were 255 minutes, 230 minutes, and 220 minutes, and for the man 170 minutes for right adrenalectomy and 140 minutes for left adrenalectomy. No surgical or anesthesiologic complications were encountered. All patients were discharged from the hospital within 5 days after operation. At present, after follow-up periods of 23, 8, 6, and 18 months, all patients show remission of Cushing's disease and undetectable cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure and a valid therapeutic option in patients with Cushing's disease showing persistent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery. However, the decision to remove both adrenal glands in such patients needs to be weighed against the risk of their having Nelson's syndrome or other long-term complications.

Adrenalectomy↗

Management of hereditary pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau kindreds with partial adrenalectomy.

PURPOSE: In patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease multiple bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma can develop, which has traditionally been treated with adrenalectomy. Partial adrenalectomy can preserve normal adrenal function and avoid the morbidity associated with medical adrenal replacement. We demonstrate whether adrenal function could be preserved by partial adrenalectomy in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1995 to 1998, 13 consecutive von Hippel-Lindau disease patients with pheochromocytoma underwent 14 partial and 6 complete unilateral adrenalectomies. Function of residual normal adrenal and recurrence of adrenal pheochromocytoma were determined at followup. RESULTS: Of the patients 2 had undergone unilateral adrenalectomy and 1 had undergone complete and partial adrenalectomy previously. Following surgery residual normal adrenal tissue consisted of 1 partial adrenal in 3 patients, bilateral partial adrenal in 5, partial and complete adrenal gland in 1, 1 complete adrenal gland in 3 and no adrenal tissue in 1. Three patients with residual adrenal tissue were placed on medical adrenal replacement until adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing demonstrated adrenocortical function. In 2 patients 1 adrenal and 2 extra-adrenal new pheochromocytomas developed 11 and 152 months, respectively, after partial adrenalectomy. No morbidity related to pheochromocytoma was observed during followup. CONCLUSIONS: Partial adrenalectomy can preserve adrenal function in patients with a hereditary form of pheochromocytoma.

Adolescent↗

Medical adrenalectomy in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Medical adrenalectomy, consisting of aminoglutethimide plus either dexamethasone or hydrocortisone, was administered to 53 women with advanced breast cancer. Sixteen (30%) patients had an objective response, five patients had stabilization of disease, 26 patients demonstrated progression of disease, two patients did not adhere to protocol, and four patients had severe toxicity necessitating discontinuation of the drugs. Medical adrenalectomy accurately predicted response to subsequent surgical adrenalectomy in 23 patients. Estrogen receptor (ER) data accurately predicted response (eight of nine (89%) ER-positive patients responded) or failure (only two of 14 (14%) ER-negative patients responded) to medical adrenalectomy. Thirty (of 51 women adhering to protocol) had no toxicity. Therefore, it appears that medical adrenalectomy is safe, usually well tolerated, and can accurately predict response to surgical adrenalectomy. Its use should be limited to ER-positive patients, and it may totally supplant surgical adrenalectomy in the management of advanced breast cancer.

Adrenal Glands↗

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has replaced open surgery in the treatment of benign adrenal tumours. Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches have been advocated. However, long-term outcome data are rare. METHODS: Over a period of 8 years, 123 patients underwent surgery for benign adrenal lesions using the endoscopic retroperitoneal approach. Data were analysed retrospectively by review of medical charts. Long-term results were obtained by sending questionnaires to patients and contacting their primary physicians. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients underwent 126 endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomies. Mean operating time for unilateral adrenalectomy was 115 min, whereas that for bilateral adrenalectomy was 208 min. The conversion rate was 4.8 per cent. Complications occurred after 15.9 per cent of adrenalectomies. One patient died during the postoperative period. Long-term results were obtained in 80 patients (74.8 per cent). Nine patients (11 per cent) reported chronic incisional pain and six patients (8 per cent) had chronic abdominal pain. Addisonian crisis after bilateral adrenalectomy occurred in three patients. Most patients (86 per cent) were satisfied with the cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure. Long-term outcome is acceptable and the procedure has excellent cosmetic results.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

Variable response of tissue parameters of the fibrinolytic system to unilateral or bilateral adrenalectomy and unilateral or bilateral adrenal demedullation.

The effect of unilateral and bilateral adrenalectomy, unilateral and bilateral demedullation or unilateral adrenalectomy/unilateral demedullation on tissue plasminogen activator activity (PAA), plasminogen activator inhibition (PAI) and plasmin inhibition (PI) was studied in the rat. All the above treatments induced an increase of PAA in lungs. Increased PAA was also noted in brain after bilateral adrenalectomy or demedullation, as well as unilateral adrenalectomy/unilateral demedullation. In kidneys the PAA was decreased after bilateral adrenalectomy or demedullation and unilateral adrenalectomy/unilateral demedullation. In aorta only after bilateral adrenalectomy a decreased PAA was induced. In heart and liver no changes in PAA were noted. A decreased PAI expressed against tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) was found in lungs of all treated rats compared to controls. However, an increased PAI was noted in heart, liver and aorta against t-PA or u-PA after bilateral adrenalectomy and in liver after bilateral demedullation as well as after unilateral adrenalectomy/unilateral demedullation (rats with only one adrenal cortex). A dissociation between anti-t-PA and anti-u-PA response was seen in heart, liver and aorta. A variable change in PI was induced in kidneys, aorta, lungs and brain in all treatments except unilateral demedullation or unilateral adrenalectomy. Therefore, the effect of adrenalectomy or demedullation on tissue PAA, PAI and PI was variable and dependent on the extent of the treatment (unilateral or bilateral), the organ as well as the time after the treatment.

Adrenal Glands↗

Partial versus total adrenalectomy by the posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach: early and long-term results of 325 consecutive procedures in primary adrenal neoplasias.

The retroperitoneoscopic approach is a standardized operative procedure for primary adrenal gland tumors. It allows direct access with a detailed view of the adrenal gland. Thereby, a clear differentiation between normal and neoplastic adrenal tissue is often possible, which permits a planned partial resection of the gland in selected cases. Between July 1994 and November 2003 325 posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomies were performed for primary benign adrenal gland tumors (106 Conn's adenomas, 83 pheochromocytomas, 76 Cushing's adenomas, 60 nonfunctioning tumors; size: 2.8 +/- 1.5 cm; site: 160 right, 165 left) in 318 patients (122 M, 196 F, age: 49.0 +/- 14.3 years). In 96 patients 100 tumors were removed by partial adrenalectomy (30 Conn's adenomas, 33 pheochromocytomas, 20 Cushing's adenomas, 17 nonfunctioning tumors; site: 61 right, 59 left) maintaining tumor-free parts of the adrenal gland. Of this group, 15 patients suffered from bilateral adrenal neoplastic diseases. During the same period, 225 total adrenalectomies (76 Conn's adenomas, 50 pheochromocytomas, 56 Cushing's adenomas, 34 nonfunctioning tumors; site: 109 right, 116 left) were performed in 224 patients. There was no mortality. Major complications were seen in 1.8%, minor complications in 14.5%. Three conversions were necessary to an open or a laparoscopic approach (2 patients and 1 patient, respectively). There are no differences between the two groups (total versus partial adrenalectomy) with regard to tumor size (2.8 +/- 1.6 cm versus 2.8 +/- 1.5 cm), operating time (80 +/- 44 minutes versus 79 +/- 42 minutes), and blood loss (33 +/- 71 ml versus 29 +/- 31 ml). In all patients with partial adrenalectomy, biochemical healing was proven. Fourteen of 15 patients with bilateral diseases had preservation of adrenocortical function. After a mean follow up of 51 months (range: 7-120 months) local recurrence or relapse of the initial diseases was noticed in 6 patients after total adrenalectomy: in 4 patients with Conn's syndrome and bilateral hyperplasia, and in 2 patients with malignant pheochromocytoma and adrenocortical carcinoma, respectively. Our data demonstrate that partial adrenalectomy is a safe procedure not only perioperatively but also in the long-term follow-up.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

Total bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia (IIa).

BACKGROUND: The benefit of simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is unknown. METHODS: Ten patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LpA) with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for Cushing's syndrome. One MEN patient underwent simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy with helium pneumoperitoneum for bilateral pheochromocytoma. A comparison was made between unilateral LpA and simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Plasma catecholamines were correlated with hemodynamic changes in the patient with pheochromocytoma. RESULTS: Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the patient with pheochromocytoma lasted 330 min. The substantial increase in plasma catecholamines was not associated with cardiovascular instability. Operative time (270 +/- 3 vs 120 +/- 4 min), blood loss (365 +/- 1 vs 210 +/- 1 ml), hospital stay (7.6 +/- 1.5 vs 4.6 +/- 1 days), and normal activity (19.3 +/- 2 vs 10.4 +/- 4.4 days) were, in patients with Cushing's syndrome, significantly (p < 0.05) higher after simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy than after unilateral LpA; the differences were not significant in the analgesic requirements (7.6 +/- 1 vs 4.6 +/- 1 doses). One patient with unilateral LpA was converted to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe, and associated with short hospital stay and lessening of the time needed to achieve normal activity.

Adrenalectomy↗

Multicentric experience of the Belgian Group for Endoscopic Surgery (BGES) with endoscopic adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Adrenalectomy is not a frequent operation. Therefore the newly developed laparoscopic approach is sporadically performed by surgeons dealing with endocrine disorders. METHODS: Some 54 videoendoscopic adrenalectomies performed on 52 patients by five surgical teams between October 1993 and December 1996 were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Indications for endoscopic adrenalectomy were pheochromocytoma (n = 17), primary hyperaldosteronism (n = 15), Cushing's adenoma or disease (n = 7), nonsecreting adenoma (n = 7), single metastasis from adenocarcinoma (n = 2), adenoma with dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEAS) hypersecretion (n = 3), and ACTH-secreting metastases from a thymoma (n = 1). Of the 54 adrenalectomies performed, 31 were of the left gland, 19 of the right and two bilateral. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successful in 50 patients (96%). Median tumor size was 4 cm (range 1.5-12), median operation duration was 80 min (range 59-360), and median postoperative stay was 4 days (range 2-13). One patient required blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic adrenalectomy can safely be performed-even sporadically-by surgeons well versed in adrenalectomy techniques for endocrine disorders and trained in endoscopic surgery.

Adenoma↗

Anorexia after adrenalectomy in gold thioglucose-treated obese mice: role of adipose tissue mass.

We have previously shown that following adrenalectomy, gold thioglucose (GTG)-treated hyperphagic obese mice exhibit anorexia, weight loss and a pronounced hypoglycemia which leads ultimately to their death. In the present study, we sought to determine whether the increased adipose tissue mass which is characteristic of GTG-treated obese mice exerted a role in the onset and development of anorexia after adrenalectomy. Accordingly, the effects of adrenalectomy on food intake, weight gain, plasma glucose and corticosterone levels were investigated in normal untreated controls, GTG-treated hyperphagic obese mice and GTG-treated non obese mice. The GTG-treated non obese mice were prepared by restricting their daily intake of chow (pair-feeding) to that consumed by normal untreated mice. After adrenalectomy, all mice were allowed free access to food. As expected, all GTG-treated hyperphagic obese mice exhibited anorexia and weight loss following adrenalectomy. In contrast, about half (52%) of the GTG-treated non obese mice exhibited anorexia and weight loss after adrenalectomy. The response of the GTG-treated non obese adrenalectomized mice was not due to differences in adrenal insufficiency since all adrenalectomized mice had blood levels of corticosterone of less than 0.5 microgram%. These findings indicate that whereas the increased adipose tissue mass of the GTG-treated obese mice appears to be associated with an increased incidence of anorexia following adrenalectomy, increased adipose tissue mass alone does not appear to be essential for the occurrence of anorexia.

Adipose Tissue↗

Adrenalectomy induced anorexia in gold thioglucose-treated obese mice: metabolic and hormonal changes.

Adrenalectomy of gold thioglucose (GTG)-treated hyperphagic obese mice had been shown by us earlier to result in anorexia, weight loss, hypoglycemia and subsequent death of all mice. More recent studies suggest that adipose tissue mass may not be the critical determinant of anorexia since a large proportion of GTG-treated non obese (pair-fed to curb obesity) mice when challenged with adrenalectomy also developed anorexia. The aim of the present studies was to determine whether the changes in circulating metabolites, namely, glucose, free fatty acids and hormones, including insulin, glucagon and ACTH, which accompany adrenalectomy, might provide a clue to the causative agent for the onset of anorexia in GTG obese and non obese mice. Accordingly, plasma levels of glucose, free fatty acids, insulin, glucagon and ACTH were measured in GTG-treated obese, non obese and in normal untreated mice following adrenalectomy or a sham operation. Preoperatively, plasma insulin levels were significantly elevated in GTG obese mice whereas plasma glucose, free fatty acids and glucagon levels were not appreciably different than those of untreated controls. Upon adrenalectomy and onset of anorexia, GTG obese mice exhibited a progressive decline in blood glucose and insulin levels; plasma free fatty acids increased precipitously but only after the first day. Plasma glucagon levels declined immediately following adrenalectomy, however, by the 6th day postoperatively they were significantly elevated above the sham operated obese and untreated controls. Prior to adrenalectomy, the pair-fed GTG non obese mice exhibited blood glucose and insulin levels well below the levels of untreated controls and GTG obese mice whereas plasma free fatty acids and glucagon levels were markedly elevated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adipose Tissue↗

Alteration of hippocampal B50 phosphorylation after adrenalectomy.

Adrenalectomy alters endogenous phosphorylation of the presynaptic protein, B50, in the hippocampus. Three and four days following adrenalectomy decreases are seen, relative to control values, in the in vitro phosphorylation of B50 when a synaptic plasma membrane fraction from the hippocampus is incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP. At four days post-adrenalectomy, the percent decrease in B50 phosphorylation is -49.8 +/- 6.8%. No alteration is seen in the level of B50 phosphorylation when comparing hippocampal membrane preparations from sham-operated and intact animals. Fourteen days following adrenalectomy, hippocampal B50 phosphorylation was restored to normal levels. Hypophysectomy did not alter the degree of in vitro B50 phosphorylation, but the effect of adrenalectomy occurred in hypophysectomized rats. Following adrenalectomy, no differences are seen in the phosphorylation of any hippocampal cytosolic proteins. Changes in B50 phosphorylation seen in hypothalamic synaptic plasma membranes are likely due to the effects of sham-operation. The results indicate that a transient neurochemical or neuroendocrine event following adrenalectomy modulates in vivo the degree of B50 phosphorylation in hippocampal synaptic membranes.

Adrenal Glands↗

Changes in the renin-angiotensin system after nephrectomy and adrenalectomy.

The study investigates the change in angiotensinogen (Aogen), angiotensin I (AngI) and renin plasma concentration after nephrectomy and adrenalectomy. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanisms that are involved in the up regulation of the Aogen plasma levels after nephrectomy and the contribution of the adrenals. Rats were treated with the beta 1-selective adrenoceptor blocker, atenolol, and with the angiotensin antagonist, DuP 753 in order to inhibit renal renin release and to check whether the increase in plasma Aogen after nephrectomy is mediated by angiotensin (AngII), respectively. The plasma Aogen levels increase approx. 5-fold 24 h after nephrectomy. This increase is significantly reduced in the presence of atenolol. After nephrectomy plus adrenalectomy there is a maximal increase of 60% in plasma Aogen levels 8 h after surgery and a subsequent decline. In the presence of atenolol this increase is even smaller. In contrast after adrenalectomy the plasma Aogen levels continuously declined. In the presence of atenolol the plasma Aogen levels were approx. 20% higher at time 0 but declined with the same slope as after adrenalectomy without atenolol treatment. Treatment with DuP 753 caused an almost complete inhibition of the increase in Aogen plasma levels after nephrectomy. Significantly higher Aogen levels were found only after 24 h. At time 0, immediately after nephrectomy the plasma AngI levels were increased compared to the respective control rats. Significantly higher AngI values (P < 0.05) could also be observed in nephrectomized rats and in nephrectomized plus adrenalectomized rats at time 0 in the presence and absence of atenolol and DuP 753, respectively. In contrast after adrenalectomy alone the AngI levels at time 0, were not different from those of the controls. Subsequently the AngI levels increased at a similar rate as after adrenalectomy in the presence of atenolol. These findings suggest that the increase in plasma Aogen after nephrectomy is essentially mediated by AngII via an adrenal mechanism. It seems likely that this process is triggered by renin released during surgery. The increased renin release after adrenalectomy that is responsible for the increased degradation of Aogen seems not to be mediated by a sympathetic stimulation of the renal beta 1-adrenoceptors.

Adrenalectomy↗

Metachronous adrenal masses in resected non-small cell lung cancer patients: therapeutic implications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

OBJECTIVE: In literature only few reports focused on the resection of solitary adrenal gland metastasis in patients operated on for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report our experience on laparoscopic adrenalectomy for suspected or confirmed metachronous solitary adrenal metastasis from NSCLC and discuss its therapeutic role. METHODS: From June 1993 to March 2003, 14 patients (pts), who had been undergone lung resection for NSCLC, with suspected or confirmed solitary adrenal gland metastasis at the follow-up, underwent 15 laparoscopic adrenalectomy (in 1 patient it was bilateral). All the patients had enlarged adrenal glands at the abdominal ultrasound or CT. All but 2 pts underwent at least 1 adrenal fine needle aspiration. All the patients underwent a careful staging to exclude other sites of metastasis. The adrenal gland was in 6 cases the right, in 9 cases the left. RESULTS: In 7 cases we had a preoperative cytological diagnosis of metastasis. In 1 case adrenalectomy was not performed because of infiltration of vena cava and in 1 case it was necessary to perform a small laparotomy because of bleeding. The pathologic examination confirmed in 11 cases a NSCLC metastasis while in 4 cases it was a cortical adenoma. Regarding the 10 patients with NSCLC metastases, 3 are still alive and well at 37-80 months from the lung resection. One patient (who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy) is still alive at 44 months with local relapse. Two patients died 5 and 6 months after the adrenalectomy for other causes, 1 died at 14 months for local and systemic relapse and the remaining 3 patients died at 12 to 38 months for systemic relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients resected for NSCLC is a safe mini-invasive procedure. Even though this series is still too small, laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be considered an effective therapeutic tool in case of progressive adrenal gland enlargement, also with negative cytological examinations. A bigger series and other institution experiences will clarify its oncological value.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the authors' experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the pediatric age group. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed in children at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, between June 1997 and March 2003. Ten children had laparoscopic adrenalectomies during this period. They were between 3 weeks to 12 years of age and there was an equal number of boys and girls. Case selection was based mainly on the size of the lesion and its localized nature as seen on the imaging studies. The transperitoneal approach was used in all cases. RESULTS: Eleven laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in 10 children (1 was bilateral adrenalectomy). Presenting features were virilization (n = 3), Cushing's syndrome (n = 1), antenatally detected adrenal cyst (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1), hepatomegaly (n = 1), loin pain with hematuria (n = 1) and an incidental adrenal mass (n = 1). One was a child with stage IV adrenal neuroblastoma postchemotherapy for resection of the residual tumor. On imaging studies, the tumors were between 2.8 and 7 cm in their largest dimension. Operating time ranged from 118 to 180 minutes in the unilateral resections, whereas the bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy required 330 minutes. Two had to be converted to open procedures. Postoperative hospital stay was between 2 and 15 days. Pathologic diagnoses were as follows: adrenal cortical adenoma (n = 3), adrenal medullary hyperplasia (n = 2), adrenal cortical carcinoma (n = 1), ganglioneuroma (n = 1), and neuroblastoma (n = 3). There were no complications. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 6 years. The only mortality in our study group was in the child with stage IV neuroblastoma who died of disseminated disease 9 months later. In the rest, there has been no local recurrence or metastases, and the biochemical and hormonal parameters have remained normal in the functional tumors. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that in a select group of pediatric adrenal lesions, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure with the potential benefits of minimally invasive procedures.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

Partial adrenalectomy: the National Cancer Institute experience.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience of partial adrenalectomy and demonstrate whether adrenal function can be preserved in patients with hereditary adrenal pheochromocytoma. Total adrenalectomy has largely been used in the treatment of patients with hereditary adrenal pheochromocytomas. Adrenal cortical-sparing surgery is an alternative approach that aims to balance tumor removal with preservation of adrenocortical function. METHODS: From 1995 to 2004, 33 patients with hereditary pheochromocytoma presented with adrenal masses. Partial adrenalectomy (open or laparoscopic) was performed if normal adrenocortical tissue was evident on preoperative imaging or intraoperative ultrasonography. Various operative parameters, as well as postoperative function of the residual adrenal remnants, were determined. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, 8 underwent open partial adrenalectomy and 25 laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy during a 10-year period. Ten patients underwent simultaneous, bilateral partial adrenalectomy and 8 underwent surgery on a solitary adrenal gland, 4 of whom received postoperative steroid replacement (stopped in 3 after 1 to 3 months). All other patients had normal catecholamine levels and remained tumor free by imaging at a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 3 to 102). CONCLUSIONS: Partial adrenalectomy can preserve adrenal function in patients with adrenal masses. The laparoscopic approach is technically safe and associated with less morbidity without compromising tumor removal. With careful surgical planning, especially in patients with tumors in solitary glands, adrenocortical function may be preserved, thereby avoiding the morbidity associated with medical adrenal replacement.

Adolescent↗

[Advantages of using robotic Da Vinci system for unilateral adrenalectomy: early results].

STUDY AIM: The goal of this study was to report the early results of unilateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy using robotic Da Vinci system, and to compare them to the results of the laparoscopic standard adrenalectomy. METHODS: Prospective study included all patients operated on for unilateral laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy from November 2000 to November 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy using either standard laparoscopy (14 patients) or robotic Da Vinci system (14 patients). Mean duration of robotic adrenalectomy seemed to be longer than standard laparoscopy (111 vs. 83 min; P = 0.057). This tendency decreased while surgeons' experience was increasing. Mean duration of operating room activity was similar for both types of surgery. Peroperative events without conversion, conversion rate (7%), drainage, morbidity (21%), duration of hospitalisation were similar for both types of surgery. Duration of standard laparoscopic adrenalectomy was positively correlated to patients body mass index. This correlation was absent in patients operated on by robotic Da Vinci system. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study found no objective data demonstrating that robotic Da Vinci system was superior to standard laparoscopic approach for unilateral adrenalectomy. However, we think that it is necessary to continue further evaluation of this system to demonstrate its possible superiority.

Adrenalectomy↗

Clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy with needlescopic instruments.

PURPOSE: We describe our experience with clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy using needlescopic instruments. We compared the results with those of a contemporary series of conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12 patients clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed with needlescopic instruments in an 8-month period. The technique included 2 or 3 subcostal 2 mm. ports and 1 umbilical 5/12 mm. port for the telescope and ultimate specimen extraction. Adrenal vessels were controlled by bipolar coagulation without endoscopic clips. Outcome data were retrospectively compared with those on 20 recent conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomies done at the same institution. The 2 types of laparoscopic adrenalectomy were performed transperitoneally. RESULTS: Patients in the clipless group had a lower mean analgesic requirement (7.5 versus 15.3 mg. morphine sulfate equivalent, p = 0.02), lower mean pain and scar scores (3.1 versus 5.3 and 1.1 versus 4.2, respectively, p <0.05) and more rapid convalescence (1.6 versus 3.3 weeks, p <0.01) but longer operative time (183 versus 136 minutes, p = 0.04). Similar blood loss, time to oral intake and hospital stay were noted in the 2 groups. No major complications, open conversions or postoperative secondary bleeding occurred in either group. A 2 mm. port was converted to a 10 mm. port in only 1 case in the clipless group due to the inability to retract a bulky liver properly with a needlescopic instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Clipless laparoscopic adrenalectomy with needlescopic instruments is feasible for most benign adrenal tumors. In addition to the benefits of conventional laparoscopic surgery, clipless needlescopic laparoscopic adrenalectomy further decreased postoperative pain, shortened convalescence and improved wound cosmesis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗