Abstract:

Objective   To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism caused by nodular adrenal hyperplasia (NAH). Methods   The data of 114 patients (105 with unilateral and 9 with bilatera lesions) who underwent laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for NAH from April 2004 to August 2010. were retrospectively analyzed. Blood pressure and levels of plasma aldosterone and potassium were observed in the follow-up. Results   All the 114 procedures were successfully completed without conversions or complications. The mean operative duration, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 32.4±8.3 min, 10.5±5.2 mL and 7.9±3.1 days respectively. There were no significant complications during and after surgery. In the follow-up period of 6.82 months（median，31 months）, and hypertension were cured in 55 (48.2%), improved in 57 (50%), and refractory in 2 (1.8%) patients, the hypokalemia and hyperaldosteronism were resolved in all the patients except 1 who still  had hyperaldosteronism. Conclusion   Laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is a safe, effective and feasible approach for hypertension caused by NAH.

Key words: Laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy; Nodular adrenal hyperplasia; Hypertension; Primary aldosteronism