Laparoscopic adrenalectomy --- is it any different in phaeochromocytoma and non-phaeochromocytoma?

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for phaeochromocytoma is a feasible, safe and effective treatment. The effects of associated catecholamine release render LA more challenging, although with comparable morbidity to LA for other diseases of the adrenal gland.

Methods: Data from case records of 44 patients who underwent LAs between May 2002 and May 2006 were analysed retrospectively.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible for large adrenal masses>6 cm.

Objective: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the established procedure for adrenal masses less than 6 cm. The role of LA for large adrenal masses is well defined to a lesser extent.

Methods: Thirty-six LAs were performed in 32 patients (including four patients with single stage bilateral adrenalectomies) over a period of 3 years, from May 2002 to 2005.

Successful surgical correction of true diphallia, scrotal duplication, and associated hypospadias.

A 1-year-old child with complete duplication of penis presented with continuous dribbling of urine. Examination revealed hypospadias of 1 penis and a duplicated scrotum with 2 normal testes. Cystourethrogram revealed a single bladder with a normal urethra in the dorsally placed phallus and ectopic insertion into the bladder of the ventral urethra.

Initial experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomies.

Background: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is being adopted rapidly by transplant centres around the world as it offers less postoperative pain, quicker convalescence, and better cosmetic result when compared with the open approach. There may, however, be a steep learning curve with this technique.

Method: A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the donor morbidity and graft outcome of 21 consecutive LDN performed at one centre between May 2002 and August 2003.