CLINICAL ROLE OF GASLESS LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that the pneumoperitoneum (PNP) may have several hemodynamic, metabolic, neurologic, and humoral effects; in a limited number of patients, these effects represent a contraindication to the use of the PNP in the presence of glaucoma, cardiovascular insufficiency, advanced chronic obstructive bronchitis, and neurologic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2002 and July 2008, we performed 9 laparoscopic gasless adrenalectomies in 8 patients (5 male and 3 female): 4 left, 3 right, and 1 bilateral, treated in 2 different operations. Mean age was 54.8 years (range: 34 to 76 y). Preoperative diagnosis was Cushing in 5 cases, pheochromocytoma in 1…