[Comparative study between laparoscopic and conventional adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas].

This prospective study compares the outcome of 2 groups of patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing adrenalectomy via a transabdominal approach or a laparoscopie approach. Mean operating time was exactly the same in both groups (122 and 125 minutes). Postoperative stay in the intensive care unit and in hospital was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group as previously demonstrated fo other adrenal tumors. More important, no differences in haemodynamic changes were observed during surgery. In both groups, the increase of cathecholamine levels was identical, with a peak occuring during manipulation of tumors. Pneumoperitoneum was not responsible for any cardiovascular instability. Laparosopic adrenalectomy should therefore be preferred to open procedures in pheochromocytomas unless tumors are too large or potentially malignant.