Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for treatment of benign adrenal lesions. Tumor size is a factor that might influence decision-making concerning the use of laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of adrenalectomy for tumors ≥6 cm in diameter. Methods: Two groups of patients were analyzed: first group comprised 441 patients with tumors <6 cm in diameter and second group consisted of 89 patients with tumors ≥6 cm. Both groups were compared with regard to the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, conversion and complications rate. Results: Median duration of surgery in groups 1 and 2 amounted to 86.6 and 111.9 min (p < 0.0001), respectively. Median intraoperative blood loss in groups 1 and 2 was 56.5 and 172.8 ml (p < 0.0001), respectively. There was a linear relationship between tumor size and the duration of surgery, and between tumor size and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.0001). There were 2 (0.5%) and 6 (6.7%) conversions in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were 41 (9.3%) and 14 (15.7%) complications in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.0692), respectively. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy of tumors ≥6 cm is more difficult, but it can be regarded safe and beneficial for patients.

Keywords:
Adrenalectomy, Large adrenal tumor, Laparoscopy, Safety
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2016
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