Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children: A 25-case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard and is widely performed in adults, but its use in children is relatively new. We aim to present our experience in twenty-five children with diverse adrenal pathologies and to discuss an extensive review of pediatric LA in English literature.

Methods: Medical records of children with adrenal tumors admitted to a tertiary center and treated with LA were reviewed. Characteristics and outcome of patients were compared with results of a systematic Pubmed/Medline literature review.

Results: Transperitoneal LAs were performed for 12 malignant and 14 benign adrenal masses (size range: 2-8cm) in 25 children (median age:63months). Fourteen lesions were on the right side, and there was one bilateral case. There were no conversion and no complication within 36months of follow-up. A literature review revealed 437 pediatric LAs with left side predomination (51.4%). The indication was a malignant lesion in 60.2% of the cases (sizes range: 1-10cm). The transperitoneal route was preferred in 94.2% of the procedures. Conversion and complication rates were 7.5% and 3.1%, respectively.

Conclusion: LA should be preferred in selected children with adrenal pathologies. The transperitoneal route seems to be the standard approach for pediatric surgeons. Preoperative planning and surgical expertise are the keys to success.

Type of the study: Case series with systematic literature review.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Adrenal; Children; Laparoscopy.