Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome: Case report with review literature

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2014;5(8):487-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2014.03.007. Epub 2014 Jun 6.

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has gained favour as a preferred surgical approach in the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 patients. Currently, there is limited literature on bilateral simultaneous laparoscopic adrenalectomy in MEN 2 syndrome. We reported two cases of bilateral pheochromocytoma associated with MEN 2 syndrome cured by simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Presentation of case: First patient presented with big lips since childhood and episodic abdominal pain. On investigations, he was diagnosed with features of MEN 2B syndrome. Second patient was hypertensive and presented with abdominal pain. On evaluation she had features of MEN 2A syndrome.

Discussion: Minimally invasive approach was preferred in both cases. Bilateral simultaneous adrenalectomies were uneventfully done with acceptable operative time and blood loss with rapid perioperative recovery. These cases highlighted the feasibility of laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in MEN 2 syndrome.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy is a safe feasible and preferable technique for pheochromocytomas associated with MEN 2 syndrome.

Keywords: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy; Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 syndrome; Pheochromocytoma; Simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy.