To define whether previous control of the adrenal vein is a crucial procedure in laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

From January 2000 to December 2010, 114 patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy through transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups randomly (group 1: dissection after ligation; group 2: dissection before ligation). Blood samples for the measurement of catecholamines levels using high performance liquid chromatography were taken at the following time points: t1, before anesthesia; t2, during manipulation-extraction of pheochromocytoma; t3, after removal of pheochromocytoma. The blood pressure fluctuation was recorded.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully performed on 113 patients with 1 elective open conversion because of dense peritumor adhesions. The operating time ranged from 80 to 150 minutes (mean 108, 102 in group 1, 110 in group 2). Mean blood loss ranged from 20 to 500 mL (mean 120 mL, 110 in group 1, 125 in group 2). The concentrations of plasma catecholamines between the 2 groups had no statistical differences. The blood pressure fluctuation incidence between the 2 groups had no marked difference. But the incidence increased with high functionary grade, and the difference was significant (P = .043).

This study demonstrated that previous control of the adrenal vein was not a determinate factor in dealing with dangerous hypertension during laparoscopic adrenalectomies.