Laparoscopic resection of giant adrenal myelolipoma: A case report with review of literature

Abstract

Giant adrenal myelolipoma (AML) may cause severe symptoms. In contrast to the previous reports, laparoscopy may play a pivotal role in the management of giant AML. This report aims to discuss a case of giant AML managed successfully by laparoscopy. A 63-year-old male was found to have a giant (12 × 10 × 8 cm) left AML during a workup for left lower chest pain on imaging. laparoscopic excision of a left adrenal gland with the lesion was performed under general anesthesia. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 3 days uneventfully. AML is a benign tumor that is characterized by the presence of adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements. Myelolipomas are typically asymptomatic. AML diagnosis is based on imaging and blood workup. Small asymptomatic AML is usually managed conservatively, while symptomatic AML is managed with surgery. Even though an open approach is the standard option, laparoscopy, as a minimally invasive technique, in some centers may replace laparotomy. Laparoscopy can be a successful method for managing AML, even when they are large in size.

Keywords

• Adrenal Gland
• Myelolipoma
• Tumor
• Laparoscopy
• Minimally invasive technique