LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SINGLE-SITE SURGERY (LESS) ADRENALECTOMY

Overview

Introduction and objectives:
At our institution, LESS has been established as a technique for laparoscopic nephrectomy in carefully selected patients since 2011. Since 2012, LESS has been applied in selected cases for adrenalectomy (AE) as well. In these two videos, we present our surgical technique of LESS-AE. The method was published in detail (first 15 cases) and compared with standard laparoscopic (SL) AE recently (Hora M et al. Videosurgery Miniinv 2014; 9(4): 596–602).

Methods:
Between 3/2012 and 12/2015, 46 laparoscopic adrenal surgeries were performed. In 24 (52.2%), a LESS approach was chosen. Indications were non-complicated cases (= BMI<30, tumour ≤7cm, non-malignant aetiology, no previous surgery) with very rare exceptions. All LESS were done by one surgeon. Standard equipment was a 10 mm rigid 0°camera, Triport+^®, one pre-bent grasper, sealing instrument (LigaSure 5 mm Blunt Tip 37 mm^®). The approach was transperitoneal pararectal in all cases except in one slim man where a transumbilical approach was chosen. Peritoneum and Gerota’s fascia were opened with LigaSure (LS), adrenal vein was dissected with Hem-o-lok™ lockable clips size ML or with LS in smaller veins. The whole adrenal gland was liberated with LS. Specimen was extracted in Endocatch^® bag Gold under control of a5 mm 0° camera (to liberate a 10 mm port for bag). The defect of abdominal wall was closed without drainage. Three patients with LESS were excluded (two partial AE only, one adrenal cancer with rapid progression which was converted to SLAE and then to open surgery). These 21 LESS-AE are assessed in detail in the results. Two videos are presented, LESS-AE on both sides, left side transumbilical approach.

Results:
Left side in 18 (85.7%) cases. In 8 cases (among first 9 cases) of LESS-AE, a 3 mm port was added to elevate the liver/spleen. Mean parameters: maximal tumour diameter 43±17 (8–85), time of surgery 58±15 (32–95) min, blood loss 27.1±38.4 (0–100) ml, BMI 27.1±3.8 (18.5–34.0), discharge from hospital 5.3±1.6 (3–10) day. There were two complications: Clavien grade 1. Histology: 12 adenomas, three nodular hyperplasia, two pheochromocytoma, two aneurysmatic cysts, two malignant tumours (hemangiopericytoma and metastasis of ovarian cancer).

Conclusions:
Based on our data, LESS is a feasible and alternative method for AE, but only in very well selected cases: slimmer patients, uncomplicated tumour, mainly left side. Subjectively assessed: The procedure should be performed by an experienced surgeon since intraoperative complications during LESS are more difficult to handle/manage compared to SLAE. The benefit for patients from LESS approach is questionable and was not investigated/ proved at this study.

KEY WORDS:
Adrenal tumour, adrenalectomy, laparoscopy, LESS.