Is adrenalectomy best performed with an open technique or the laparoscopic technique?
- Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the approach of choice for benign adrenal tumors except when very large (> 8 cm).
- Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been associated with shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, less blood loss, faster recovery, and overall increased patient satisfaction compared with the open techniques.
- Open adrenalectomy and conversion from laparoscopic technique to open technique should be undertaken when malignancy is suspected.
