Abstract

Objective: In this study, patients with adrenal masses treated with surgery in our clinic were evaluated for endocrinological and surgical aspects, and open surgical techniques were compared.

Materials and methods: Between January 2003 and January 2011, we retrospectively evaluated 31 patients who underwent surgical exploration for adrenal masses in Trakya University Urology Department following consultations with Endocrinology Department. There were 21 (67.7%) female and 10 (32.3%) male with a mean age of 47.2 years (range 16-74 years). Adrenal mass was detected on the right side in 9 (29%) patients and on the left side in 22 (71%) patients. We performed open retroperitoneal approach in 17 (54.8%) cases and open transperitoneal (Chevron) approach in 14 (45.2%) cases.

Results: Fifteen of the cases were functionally active. Of the functional cases, 9 had Cushing syndrome, 3 had pheochromocytoma, and 3 had aldosterone producing adenoma. Sixteen of these cases were not producing hormones and non-functional as a result of preoperative endocrinological evaluation.

Conclusion: Adrenal masses should be considered endocrinologically before surgical treatment, and endocrine evaluation must be completed preoperatively. Preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative evaluation of hormone active cases has particular importance. Surgical success is proportional to the multidisciplinary study.