Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is currently performed either by lateral flank approach or posterior lumbar approach. The retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy avoids invading the intraperitoneal cavity and possible injury to the abdominal organs. The posterior lumbar approach allows direct access to the main adrenal vascular supply before the gland is manipulated. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy by the posterior approach is technically feasible and most effective as regards the simplicity of vascular control. The lateral flank approach allows a more spacious working cavity, but a large tumor obscures the surgical plane to the adrenal vessels. The transection of the adrenal vein is performed at the end of the procedure. The operating time, perioperative morbidity and cost have been reduced with these retroperitoneal approaches. The retroperitoneal approach to the adrenal gland is technically simple and can be performed quickly, with a low postoperative morbidity and should be regarded as the routine approach for relatively small adrenal benign tumors that are less than 5 cm in diameter.