Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: clinical experience with 12 cases.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a new procedure for the treatment of adrenal tumors. The clinical experience with this operation in 12 patients is reported. While adrenal tumors are relatively small and seem to be good candidates for laparoscopic surgery, this procedure is difficult because of the anatomical location. In our study laparoscopic adrenalectomy appeared to be successful, although massive bleeding occurred in 3 patients. These problems should be overcome as the technique is improved and new laparoscopic instruments are introduced.