| Aims and objectives: Adrenalectomy was the first operation in which laparoscopy became the standard of care. Therefore urologists can no longer make the decision to proceed with open surgery instead of laparoscopy. In this scenario, if urologists lack the skill necessary for laparoscopic intervention, general surgeons will take over. Surgery may be performed by means of a trans- or extraperitoneal approach. The most elegant technique, however, is the posterior approach. Partial adrenalectomy may be considered in benign solitary tumours such as Conn adenoma. In familial bilateral pheochromocytoma partial adrenalectomy is strongly recommended. The minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ)-obstruction is endopyelotomy, not laparoscopy. Therefore, laparoscopy has to compete with both endopyelotomy and open surgery. Compared to open surgery, the results are the same but morbidity is lower. Compared to endopyelotomy, the results are clearly better, especially in the long-term. The technique of laparoscopic pyeloplasty is similar to open surgery. There are many specific technical manoeuvres, however, which can facilitate surgery to a great extent. All the mentioned techniques will be highlighted in an interactive way. Essential steps will be highlighted by video clips. |
