Advances in imaging have improved early detection of primary and metastatic adrenal
tumors. The laparoscopic approach, the gold standard for benign adrenal diseases, is
controversial for malignant adrenal tumors. A prospective randomized study of the role of
laparoscopic surgery in adrenal cancer is not feasible because of the rarity of the disease. A
review of the literature demonstrates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy
for solitary adrenal tumors. In primary adrenal malignancies, the laparoscopic approach …

This paper outlines the indications and techniques of laparoscopic surgery for malignant
adrenal tumors. Laparoscopic surgery is not indicated for adrenal tumors of any size when
invasion of the surrounding tissues is clearly detected by preoperative imaging. When
laparoscopic surgery is performed for a tumor without invasion that has a maximum diameter
of more than 6 cm or a tumor that is considered potentially malignant from preoperative
imaging or endocrine studies, it is important to inform the patient and family that the tumor …