Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been demonstrated by many institutions to be a safe and effective approach to benign adrenal lesions. As surgical skills improve, it will most likely be comparable with open adrenalectomy in overall cost. Although it is technically demanding and takes slightly longer than open surgery, the benefits to the patient in terms of hospital stay, convalescence, and cosmetic results have been conclusively reported. The decision to use a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal access is mostly a function of surgeon preference, with similar outcomes by either approach. It is more important that the surgeon be comfortable with the selected approach. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for benign adrenal lesions.