Open versus endoscopic adrenalectomy in the treatment of localized (stage I/II) adrenocortical carcinoma: results of a multiinstitutional Italian survey.

Background: We compared the oncologic effectiveness of open adrenalectomy and endoscopic adrenalectomy in the treatment of patients with localized adrenocortical carcinoma.

Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients with localized adrenocortical carcinoma (stage I/II) who underwent R0 resection were included in an Italian multiinstitutional surgical survey. They were divided into 2 groups based on the operative approach (either conventional or endoscopic).

Adrenocortical carcinoma: effect of hospital volume on patient outcome.

Purpose: Optimal management of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) involves a detailed diagnostic workup, radical surgery, and appropriate adjuvant therapy. However, due to the rarity of this disease, adequate expertise is necessary to ensure optimal patient care. We evaluated if the experience of a treating center influences the outcome of ACC.

Adrenal incidentalomas in the laparoscopic era and the role of correct surgical indications: observations from 255 consecutive adrenalectomies in an Italian series.

Background: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic adrenalectomy on patients with incidentalomas. We analyzed the results of a multi-centre trial that was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) to obtain a correct preoperative diagnosis.

Methods: We obtained our data from the results of a questionnaire that was distributed by mail or email in May 2005 to several surgical units operating in the Campania Region, Italy.

Stricter criteria increase the validity of a quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: A "quick" intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) (QPTH) assay evaluates parathyroid hypersecretion during parathyroidectomy. We investigated the likelihood of increasing surgical success rates by introducing stricter parameters in intraoperative PTH monitoring.

Material/methods: One hundred one patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism were studied.

Andrenocortical carcinomas: twelve-year prospective experience.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (AC) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis. Twenty-two patients (14 F, 8 M; age 22 to 59 years; median, 43 years) with AC were evaluated prospectively in a single center: tumor stage was I-II in 12 cases and III-IV in 10. The overall survival in our cohort was 41.