Efficacy of an Ultrasonic Surgical System for Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

PURPOSE: We determine the value of an ultrasonic surgical system for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the ultrasonic surgical system and compared the results with those of patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy without the system. RESULTS: The system simplified exposure of the renal pedicles and inferior vena cava, and facilitated adrenal separation from the perinephric fat as well as dissection and identification of the adrenal vessels. Operating time was shorter and blood loss was also less with use of the ultrasonic surgical system. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonic surgical system simplified laparoscopic adrenalectomy and made the operation much safer.