[Endoscopic, extraperitoneal adrenalectomy--an expansion of the approach to the adrenal gland].

From March 1994 to march 1996 we performed extraperitoneal adrenalectomy in 25 patients with adrenal gland tumors; three of these patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. Endoscopic extraperitoneal adrenalectomy was successful in 22 patients. No postoperative complications were observed, median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (2-12). The described approach produces rapid recovery and creates less postoperative pain.