Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the preferred method for the surgical excision of small adrenal lesions by providing advantages such as shorter hospitalization time, decreased transfusion requirements, less postoperative pain and complications when compared with open surgery. Role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large and potentially malignant lesions is controversial. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed by transperitoneal (anterior or lateral) or retroperitoneal (posterior or lateral) approach. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. Decision of the technique should consider the surgeon's experience, size of the adrenal lesion and previous abdominal surgery. Main objective should be complete oncological resection with a safe method. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe and feasible for benign and encapsulated lesions. Open surgery should be preferred for large and invasive lesions which cannot be excised with laparoscopic way.