Case Report

Laparoscopic Partial Adrenalectomy for Bilateral Pheochromocytomas in a Boy with von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Christian Radmayr^a, Hartmut Neumann^b, Georg Bartsch^a, Romy Elsner^c, Günter Janetschek<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria;
^bDepartment of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Freiburg, Germany, and
^cDepartment of Pediatrics, Haunersches Kinderspital, Munich, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Urol 2000;38:344-348 (DOI: 10.1159/000020304)

  Key Words

• Pheochromocytoma
• Von Hippel-Lindau
• Laparoscopy
• Children

  Abstract

Objectives: In adults, increasing numbers of adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas are performed laparoscopically. We report for the first time laparoscopic bilateral subtotal adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Methods: In July 1998, an 8-year-old boy with von Hippel-Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for bilateral pheochromocytomas. The boy presented with severe hypertension and two pheochromocytomas on both sides.

Results: The child could be solely treated with laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery. The procedure was completed as planned. There were absolutely no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperatively, catecholamine levels and hypertension went back to normal. At follow-up no residual tumor could be detected and no steroid replacement therapy was necessary.

Conclusions: In experienced hands, laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for pheochromocytomas is feasible and safe. Moreover, this minimal invasive approach represents an exceptional improvement in life quality, especially in children with von Hippel-Lindau disease since surgery will probably be necessary again and again in their future life.

  Author Contacts

Univ. Prof. Dr. Christian Radmayr
Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck
Anichstrasse 35
A-6020 Innsbruck (Austria)
Tel. +43 512 504 4810, Fax +43 512 504 4873, E-Mail christian.radmayr@uibk.ac.at

  Article Information

Accepted: June 23, 1999
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 23