Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: retroperitoneal approach.

The most important procedure in retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is en bloc dissection of the perinephric fat, including the upper pole of the kidney and the adrenal gland, from the surrounding muscles (transversus abdominalis, psoas, and diaphragm) just inside Gerota's fascia. It is not recommended that the surgeon directly identify the adrenal gland at the start of the operation. After dividing the perinephric fat between the adrenal gland and kidney, the upper pole of the kidney is exposed, and dissection proceeds along the renal surface. The lateral retroperitoneoscopic approach promises to be a safer and less invasive treatment for patients with small unilateral adrenal tumors. In all cases, careful patient selection and correct choice of the surgical approach based on tumor size, the patient's condition, and the surgeon's skill are vital to avoid complications during laparoscopic adrenalectomy.