Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a large pheochromocytoma: case report and review of the literature

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the standard procedure for the removal of adrenal masses. Transperitoneal laparoscopic resection of adrenal tumor is the preferred surgical technique. In the present case report authors described a case with a 20 cm right pheochromocytoma successfully treated by using transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. Methods: A 26-year old man had a 20 cm retroperitoneal mass that was revealed by a contrast enhanced computed tomography and his preoperative blood epinephrine level was 421.41 pg/ml(normal range, <100 pg/ml). The patient was suspected to have a pheochromocytoma and received preoperative treatment with α-receptor blocker terazosin. A 20 cm retroperitoneal mass was successfully removed by transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. Results: The operative time was 180 min and blood loss was 100 ml. No intraoperative or postoperative complications developed in the patient. Pheochromocytoma of right adrenal gland was confirmed by