Retroperitoneoscopic and laparoscopic removal of periadrenally located bronchogenic cysts – a systematic review

UNLABELLED: Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts (BC) are rare clinical entities and may mimic an adrenal mass. Laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic approach is widely-used in adrenal surgery. However minimally-invasive resection of a periadrenally located BC has been reported rarely. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed has been performed using the following search strategy: bronchogenic cyst AND (adrenal OR retroperitoneal OR subdiaphragmatic). 18 BC being removed via minimally invasive approach have been found. Including our own case 7 were removed retroperitoneoscopically and 12 laparoscopically. RESULTS: An index case of a 50 year old male is presented. CT revealed 2 masses above the left adrenal area. A control demonstrated an increase in size. Retroperitoneoscopic resection was performed. Pathologic finding showed a multilocular cystic lesion with a diameter of 4cm. The cysts were lined by pseudostratified ciliated epithelium. The wall contained hyaline cartilage, seromucous glands and smooth muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Because exact preoperative diagnosis of hormonally inactive adrenal masses is not possible surgical resection is recommended in case of tumor growth, symptoms and to obtain definitive histological diagnosis. Minimal invasive approach seems to be a safe way for resection of BC in experienced hands. There is no clear evidence if laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic approach is favourable.