Background: Adrenal nodules can either be non functioning or hormone secreting. Once proven functional, adrenalectomy is warranted. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been the popular intervention for these nodules. There is no local literature citing the clinical outcomes, particularly on symptom and medication reduction. Considering that these tumors present with hypertension, such condition may be under diagnosed in a population with a hypertension prevalence of 22.3%. This study reviewed the outcomes of the procedure particularly on the improvement of signs and symptoms and medication use.

Methodology: This is a retrospective review describing the post-operative outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy conducted in a tertiary medical center from 2010 – 2015.

Results: Twenty-three (23) patients were categorized according to pathology – primary hyperaldosteronism -(17), pheochromocytoma – four (4) and Cushing’s syndrome – two (2). Post-operatively, there was a reduction in the systolic blood pressure of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (p = 0.156). A mean reduction of 20-30 mmHg in the blood pressure was documented in patients who had pheochromocytoma (p = 0.625). There was a reduction in the number and dosages of anti-hypertensive medications (primary hyperaldosteronism p= <0.001, pheochromocytoma p = 0.095). Potassium levels of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism improved (p = 0.004). Patients with Cushing’s syndrome had improvement in blood pressure, glycemic profile and cortisol. The mean operative time is four hours with minimal blood loss and no major complication was documented. Discontinuation of antihypertensive medications and potassium supplementation was noted in 13 (56.5%) patients. Median hospital day was four days. There was no morbidity and mortality that occurred during the peri-operative and post-operative period (median = 42 days, r = 30-240 days).

Conclusion: Laparascopic adrenalectomy, being employed as treatment for adrenal nodules, is safe and effective. Significant improvement in the signs and symptoms and number of medications in the management of these patients was documented.

Keywords: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, adrenal nodules

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