Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: Outcomes and lessons learned from initial 50 cases

Abstract

Background: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) is an alternative approach to minimally invasive adrenalectomy, potentially offering less pain and faster recovery compared with laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LA). The authors have recently changed from LA to PRA in suitable patients and audited their first 50 cases. Methods: Data were prospectively collected for 50 consecutive PRAs performed by the same surgeon. Patient demographics, tumour characteristics, analgesia use, operative and preparation time, length of stay, and complications were recorded. Results: Fifty adrenalectomies were performed in 49 patients. The median (range) age was 58.5 years (30-83) and the..