Laparoscopic excision of a large symptomatic and kidney-displacing adrenal myelolipoma: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare tumor. Traditionally, open surgical adrenalectomy was the standard treatment for symptomatic myelolipoma. However, laparoscopic excision is a promising alternative approach.
Observation: A 38-year-old obese male patient presented with right loin pain of many months duration. Imaging studies revealed a large well-defined high fat content right adrenal mass displacing the right kidney. Adrenal tumor markers were within normal suggesting a non-functioning lesion. In spite of some technical difficulties and adjustments, laparoscopic excision was done, successfully, with uneventful recovery and short convalescence. Histopathological examination described mature adipose tissue with myeloid cells and confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic excision of large adrenal myelolipoma may indicate some technical adjustments, but it seems to be a feasible and advantageous approach even in obese patients.