Introduction: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the standard for removal of most adrenal pheochromocytomas (pheos). However, laparoscopic (LAP) resection of extra-adrenal pheos or paragangliomas has been reported only anecdotally. This study investigates the results of resection of paragangliomas in the laparoscopic era.
Methods: A retrospective record review of all patients who underwent resection of intra-abdominal paragangliomas over a 10-year interval from 1998-2008 was performed. Pre-and post-operative clinical, radiologic, biochemical and pathologic data were collected and compared to patients who underwent LA for adrenal pheo [LA Pheo] (N=62). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Instat. Data are mean ± SD.
Results: Eleven patients had resection of paragangliomas (5 OPEN, 6 LAP). Most common locations were peri-renal or renal hilum (N=6) and para-aortic (N=3). Data for the 3 groups are included in the table below. One LAP was converted to open due to inflammation from a prior biopsy. Mean age of paragangliomas (PARA) was 49.3 ± 16.7 years and mean tumor size was 4.6 ± 2.1 cm. OPEN paragangliomas were larger, had shorter operative times, and longer hospitalization and ICU stays compared to LAP (p
Session: Poster
Program Number: P543
