A laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy in Ramathibodi Hospital.

OBJECTIVE To compare the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy with those of open adrenalectomy in Ramathibodi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD Medical charts of 41 laparoscopic and 39 open adrenalectomy patients were reviewed Baseline characteristics and outcomes of treatment were compared between these two patient groups, using univariable statistical tests and multivariable statistical procedures. RESULTS There were significant baseline differences between the two groups in terms of gender, body mass index, ASA class, and preoperative diagnosis. The outcomes operative time, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were also significantly different. After adjusting for the effects of baseline differences, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with a significant reduction of length of hospital stay by 40%. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure and should help hasten postoperative recovery and may save the costs of hospitalization.