Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard technique for the surgical removal of the adrenal gland for functional adrenal tumors including aldosteronoma, glucocorticoid, and androgen/estrogen-producing adenomas. Many laparoscopic surgeons also think that for small to moderately sized pheochromocytomas, the laparoscopic approach is as safe and effective as the open technique. Several physiologic considerations specific to pheochromocytoma must be addressed before and during surgery regardless of the operative approach. The advantages of laparoscopic adrenalectomy over open adrenalectomy remain the same for pheochromocytomas as for other pathologic conditions of the adrenal gland. These include a shorter length of stay, a decrease in postoperative pain, a shorter time to return to preoperative activity level, and improved cosmesis.