Minimally invasive approaches to adrenal tumors: an up-to-date summary including patient position and port placement of laparoscopic, retroperitoneoscopic, robot-assisted, and single-site adrenalectomy

Abstract

Purpose of review: There are multiple minimal invasive approaches to remove the adrenal gland. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date findings about laparoscopic, retroperitoneoscopic, robot-assisted, and single-site adrenalectomy, and to define the most common approaches to the adrenal gland.

Recent findings: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard to remove adrenal tumors. New approaches are being explored to outperform the advantages of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Summary: Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy, when performed by skilled surgeons, offers an alternative to the conventional laparoscopic approach, with better outcome. The robot-assisted and single-site approaches still need further studies to fully identify their roles in adrenalectomy.