PURPOSE:Although commonly performed in adults, laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children is performed only in centres with advanced laparoscopic expertise.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a retrospective analysis of laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed at a single centre between January 2003 and May 2010. After preoperative evaluation with biochemical assays and radiologic imaging, surgery was performed by using the lateral transabdominal approach in all patients.RESULTS:Ten laparoscopic adrenalectomies (including three bilateral) were performed in seven children, with a mean age of 9.6 years. The tumours ranged from 2 – 7 cms in size. The operative durations were 75 – 130 minutes (unilateral) and 250 – 270 minutes (bilateral). Operative blood loss was minimal. There were no open conversions, but terminal hand assistance was required in one large right pheochromocytoma. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 – 10 days. The final pathological diagnoses included pheochromocytoma, hyperplasia and neuroblastoma. Follow-up at 24 – 87 months was uneventful.CONCLUSION:With adequate experience in laparoscopy, it is possible to perform adrenalectomy in selected children.
Laparoscopic surgery in a patient with Partial Situs Inversus may pose interesting challenges to the surgeon. Here we report a case of a morbidly obese young female with partial situs inversus who underwent Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The peri-operative challenges very many and these have been enumerated. The mirror image approach is recommended in such cases for a successful surgery which was not employed in this case. Postoperative barium swallow was normal and the patient has been on regular follow up.
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