Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Resection of Large-Volume Pheochromocytoma through the Surface of the Kidney

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery on the treatment of large-volume pheochromocytoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 31 patients with pheochromocytoma disease admitted to the Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from May 2020 to August 2021. According to clinical data, the tumor volume was 62.4 ± 29.5 mm, including 16 males and 15 females, aged (35.6 ± 16.1) years old;17 cases on the left side and 14 cases on the right side. All patients underwent anatomical resection through the renal superficial approach, and underwent pheochromocytoma resection through the retroperitoneal approach. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, retention time of drainage tube and postoperative follow-up were observed. Results: All the 31 operations were successful, and there were no obvious postoperative complications. The average operation time, blood loss, and drainage tube retention time were 71 min, 80 mL, and (1.2 ± 0.6) days, respectively. Postoperative pathology was confirmed to be pheochromocytoma. There was no tumor recurrence in the follow-up for 1 - 15 months. Conclusion: Robot-assisted laparoscopic anatomical resection of large-volume pheochromocytoma through the renal surface of the abdominal cavity can provide a larger operating space during the operation, with clear anatomical landmarks of “lipocrasis”, less bleeding, less trauma, intraoperative and postoperative. The advantages of fewer complications, procedural operation, and shorter learning curve can be promoted in clinical practice.