Robot‐assisted adrenalectomy: a technical option for the surgeon?

BACKGROUND: The robotic approach is an interesting option for overcoming the limitations of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We aimed to report our technique and outcomes of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA). METHODS: From November 2000 to February 2010, all consecutive patients who underwent a RAA by the same surgeon were prospectively entered into a dedicated database. The data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: During the study period, 21 right (50%), 20 left (47.6%) and 1 bilateral (2.4%) RAA were performed. Mean lesion size was 5.5 cm (max. 10 cm). Mean operative time was 118 ± 46 min and median blood loss was 27 ml. There were no conversions. The postoperative morbidity rate was 2.4%; mortality rate, 2.4%; median hospital stay, 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: RAA achieves good short-term outcomes and could be considered a valid option for the treatment of adrenal masses, with the potential to expand the limits of minimally invasive surgery.