Laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasonic localization and resection of an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.

With advances in minimally invasive techniques, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy is well documented. Compared with open surgery, the laparoscopic approach results in shorter hospital stay, reduced morbidity, and more rapid recovery. In the setting of pheochromocytoma, tumor resection is feasible although somewhat more difficult because of catecholamine liberation and frequent large lesion size. We report the successful laparoscopic resection of a para-aortic, extra-adrenal paraganglioma using ultrasound guidance.