Comparative Analysis of Operative Adrenalectomy - Classical Adrenalectomy vs. the Automatic Endoclip Technique* Analiza porównawcza zabiegów usunięcia gruczołów nadnerczowych metodą klasyczną i z użyciem klipsownicy prostej w materiale własnym

Objectives. The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of patients operated because of adrenal gland tumors. The patients underwent classical open adrenalectomy and open adrenalectomy with the use of endoclips. Material and Methods. The study population consisted of 48 sequential patients operated on because of adrenal gland tumors at the 2 nd Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Silesian Piasts University of Medicine in Wroclaw, between 2004–2006. Twenty−four patients underwent classical open posterior lumbal adrenalectomy and 24 were operated using the same approach but with the use of endoclips. Results. The operative time was significantly shorter in the group operated with the endoclip device. Iatrogenic damage to the inferior vena cava, a serious complication, was observed only in classical adrenalectomy without the use of the endoclip. A lower number of perforations of the pleural cavity in the endoclip group was observed. Conclusions. The endoclip device helps in open adrenalectomy and reduces the number of operative complica− tions. Due to the anatomical location, the endoclip device is especially useful in adrenalectomy of right adrenal tumors (Adv Clin Exp Med 2007, 16, 659–662).