[Our experience with adrenalectomy (1994-2000). Overall review].

OBJECTIVE

Thirty cases of adrenalectomy are presented. The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of adrenal disease are reviewed.

METHODS

Over the last 6 years, 30 adrenalectomies were performed in 28 patients (20 females and 8 males) aged 16-83 years (mean age 51 years). The lesion was incidentally discovered in 18.5%, 33.3% presented abdominal or lumbar pain, 18.5% had Cushing's syndrome, 18.5% presented headache and hypertension, and 7.4% virilization. Diagnostic evaluation included laboratory studies, ultrasound and CT assessment. Scintigraphic localization with MIBG, MRI or arteriography was performed in specific cases. The flank approach was utilized in 53% of the cases.

RESULTS

The postoperative period ranged from 7-23 days (mean 11). Postoperative complications (38.4%) following adrenalectomy were splenectomy, hemorrhage, hypertensive episodes, vascular complications, wound infection and pneumonia. Fifty percent of the masses were pheochromocytomas, 10% carcinomas and 5% adenomas. The rest were two neural crest derived tumors, one calcified cyst, one myelolipoma and one metastatic renal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of adrenal disease are reviewed.