Is obesity a contraindication for kidney donation?

INTRODUCTION: To enlarge the donor pool, kidney donors with obesity have been considered. We hypothesized that it is safe for patients with obesity to serve as living kidney donors. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective analysis, we examined the effect of obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30-35 kg/m2) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine in patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Other outcomes included intraoperative, 30-, and 90-day complications. We examined the trajectory between patients with obesity versus patients without obesity over time using mixed effects models for the outcomes of creatinine in mg/dL and GFR in mL/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Among donors with obesity versus donors without obesity, there were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities. Baseline creatinine in donors with obesity was significantly greater than that of donors without obesity (p = 0.02). Operative time was significantly longer in donors with obesity versus without obesity (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in 30-day morbidity between donors with obesity versus without obesity (6.52 vs. 3.57%, respectively; p = 0.38). The rate of graft complications was 8.7% in donors with obesity versus 7.1% in donors without obesity (p = 1.0). 90-day complications were infrequent, and not significant different between the groups. At 6, 12, and 24-month postoperative follow-up, the mean creatinine level in patients with obesity was not significantly different from that of patients without obesity (1.23 vs. 1.31, 1.23 vs. 1.26, and 1.17 vs. 1.19 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). Mean GFR was also not significantly different at 6, 12, and, 24 months. CONCLUSION: Postoperative creatinine and GFR changes were not significantly different in patients with obesity versus without obesity after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. These findings suggest that carefully screened living kidney donors with obesity do not experience decreased postoperative renal function.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is associated with considerable postoperative pain. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have proven effective in controlling postoperative pain in a variety of laparoscopic abdominal operations. To date, no studies have focused on TAP blocks in LVHR. Our goal was to assess whether TAP blocks reduce opioid requirements and pain scores after LVHR. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing LVHR were randomly assigned to receive a TAP block or placebo injection. The primary end points were cumulative opioid use at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively and pain scores recorded at 1 and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients in the experimental TAP group (n = 52) and control group (n = 48) were comparable with respect to patient demographics and clinical characteristics. In the postanesthesia care unit, the TAP group had significantly lower pain scores than the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the TAP group used less opioids than the control group at each time point assessed after 6 hours postoperatively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in pain scores at 24 hours postoperatively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transversus abdominis plane blocks given during LVHR significantly decrease both short-term postoperative opioid use and pain experienced by patients.

Safety of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly: analysis of 15,248 patients using the NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in an ambulatory setting is a safe alternative to the traditional overnight hospital stay. However, there are limited data on the morbidity and mortality of outpatient LC in elderly patients. We evaluated the safety of ambulatory LC in the elderly and identified risk factors that predict inpatient admission. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was performed using the American College of Surgeon's NSQIP database between 2007 and 2010. The database was searched for patients older than 65 years of age who underwent elective LC at all participating hospitals in the United States. Data from 15,248 patients were collected and we compared patients who underwent ambulatory procedures with those patients who were admitted for an inpatient stay. RESULTS: Seven thousand four hundred and ninety-nine (48.9%) patients were ambulatory and 7,799 (51.1%) were nonambulatory. Postoperative complications included mortality (0.2% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001), stroke (0.1% vs 0.3%; p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (0.1% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (0.1% vs 0.3%; p = 0.005), and sepsis (0.2% vs 0.7%; p < 0.001) for ambulatory and nonambulatory cases, respectively. We identified significant independent predictors of inpatient admission and mortality, including congestive heart failure, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 4, bleeding disorder, and renal failure requiring dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: We believe ambulatory LCs are safe in elderly patients as demonstrated by low complication rates. We identified multiple risk factors that might warrant inpatient hospital admission.

What circumstances prompt a workplace discussion in medical evaluations for back pain?

PURPOSE: To determine how frequently workplace topics emerge in the interactions between patients and providers in an evaluation for low back pain (LBP) and to determine its association with patient and provider characteristics. METHODS: Adults with work-related LBP (N = 97; 64 % male; median age = 38) completed a demographic questionnaire and a survey of disability risk factors, then agreed to audio-taping of their visits with a participating occupational healthcare provider (n = 14). Utterance-level verbal exchanges were categorized by trained coders using the Roter interaction analysis system. In addition, coders flagged any instance of workplace discussion between patients and providers. RESULTS: Workplace discussions occurred in 51 % of visits, and the most frequent topic was physical job demands. Workplace discussions were more frequent among the oldest and youngest patients and when patients were seen by providers who were more patient-centered and made more efforts to establish patient rapport and engagement. However, patients reporting numerous disability risk factors and workplace concerns in the pre-visit questionnaire were no more likely to discuss workplace topics with their providers (p > 0.05). Only the patient-centered orientations of providers and patients remained statistically significant predictors in multivariate modeling (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Workplace discussions are facilitated by a patient-centered orientation and by efforts to establish patient engagement and rapport, but workplace discussions are no more frequent among patients with the most significant workplace concerns. Screening questionnaires and other assessment tools may be helpful to foster workplace discussions to overcome possible barriers for returning to work.

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) splenectomy with a conventional laparoscope and instruments.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We present 2 cases of laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) splenectomy performed with a conventional laparoscope and instruments, and the use of a novel internal retraction device. METHODS: One patient underwent LESS splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), and a pediatric patient with sickle cell disease underwent LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. In each case, a 2-cm vertical incision was made within the confines of the umbilical ring, and a SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk CT) inserted. A 5-mm, 30-degree laparoscope and standard 5-mm instruments were used. After isolation of the splenic hilum, one 5-mm trocar of the SILS port was upsized to 12mm, and a laparoscopic stapler was used to divide the splenic artery and vein. An internal retractor consisting of a laparoscopic bulldog clamp with a hook attachment was used to retract the gallbladder, and to secure the specimen retrieval bag during splenic extraction, which eliminated the need for a fourth trocar. RESULTS: Total operative time was 160 minutes for the LESS splenectomy, and 216 minutes for the LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Both procedures were successfully completed with conventional instrumentation and a SILS port, without the need for additional incisions or trocars. No complications occurred, and both patients had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: LESS splenectomy is a feasible procedure that can be performed safely. Although articulating instruments and laparoscopes may offer advantages, they are not necessary for performing LESS splenectomy.

Laparoscopic single site adrenalectomy using a conventional laparoscope and instrumentation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We present a case of Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery (LESS) left adrenalectomy performed with a conventional laparoscope and instruments. METHODS: A 45-year-old male was diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism. Computed tomography detected a left adrenal nodule. Bilateral adrenal vein sampling was consistent with a left-sided source for hyperaldosteronism. RESULTS: Total operative time for LESS left adrenalectomy was 120 minutes. The surgery was performed with conventional instruments, a standard 5-mm laparoscope, and a SILS port, with no additional incisions or trocars needed. No complications occurred, and the patient reported an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: LESS adrenalectomy is a feasible procedure. Although articulating instruments and laparoscopes may offer advantages, LESS adrenalectomy can be done without these.

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery can be performed completely with standard equipment.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) with nonarticulating instruments and conventional trocars. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, a prospective database was used to identify 30 patients who underwent LESS. All procedures were begun using three 5 mm trocars, nonarticulating instruments, and a 5 mm, 30-degree laparoscope. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent LESS cholecystectomy. Four patients underwent LESS appendectomy; 2 for acute appendicitis and 2 for interval appendectomy. The mean patient age was 37.1 ± 14 years for the cholecystectomy group and 29.3 ± 2.2 years for the appendectomy group. Mean body mass index was 28.4 ± 7 kg/m2 for the cholecystectomy group and 25 ± 5.6 kg/m2 for the appendectomy group. Eight patients (31%) undergoing LESS cholecystectomy required an additional 5 mm port; 6 (26%) required 1 additional port for gallbladder retraction, 1 case (4%) required 2 additional ports to control cystic artery bleeding, and 1 case (4%) was converted to a traditional 4 trocar cholecystectomy because of chronic inflammation and multiple adhesions. None of the patients in the appendectomy group required an additional port. The mean operative time was 94 ± 19 minutes for cholecystectomy and 65 ± 19 minutes for appendectomy. Ninety-two percent (N=24) of patients in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group were discharged within 24 hours. One patient underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with bile duct stone removal and was discharged after 48 hours. One patient remained until postoperative day 2 for pain control. All patients in the LESS appendectomy group were discharged within 24 hours. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although operative time for LESS is increased compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy, LESS can be performed safely. In our institutional experience, LESS was successfully performed using standard laparoscopic instruments, laparoscope, and trocars. Although longer follow-up is necessary, early data supports the feasibility and safety of LESS. A low threshold should exist for the addition of extra trocars, especially during a surgeon's early experience with LESS.

Risk factors for anastomotic leak following colorectal surgery: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess anastomotic leak (AL) risk factors in a large patient series. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: The Mount Sinai Hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety patients with AL following colorectal resection and 180 patients who underwent uncomplicated procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk factors associated with development of AL. RESULTS: The AL rate was 2.6%. Five risk factors for AL were identified: (1) preoperative albumin level lower than 3.5 g/dL (odds ratio [OR] 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-5.1) (P = .03); (2) operative time of 200 minutes or longer (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.0-5.8) (P = .01); (3) intraoperative blood loss of 200 mL or more (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9-5.3) (P = .01); (4) intraoperative transfusion requirement (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.5) (P = .02); and (5) histologic specimen margin involvement in disease process in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.1) (P = .01). Patients with all 3 intraoperative risk factors had an OR of 22.1; 95% CI, 2.8-175.4 (P < .001) for development of AL. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic resection margin involvement in disease process in patients with IBD, preoperative albumin levels lower than 3.5 g/dL, intraoperative blood loss of 200 mL or more, operative time of 200 minutes or more, and/or intraoperative transfusion requirement increased AL risk. Enteral nutritional optimization prior to elective surgery is essential. Proximal diversion should be considered for patients with all 3 intraoperative risk factors because they are at high risk for AL.

A novel laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy training system.

Surgical simulation offers a safe opportunity to develop the skills required for the operating room. Box trainers are an excellent low-cost training option but there are limited options for teaching laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. We developed a realistic and cost-effective box system for laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy that will enhance training experience before entering the operating theater.

Factors that predict outcome of abdominal operations in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of complications during surgery that is relative to the severity of liver disease; it is a challenge to determine which patients are the best candidates for surgery. We performed a hospital-based study to identify factors that might facilitate selection of operative candidates and guide their management. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 100 cirrhotic patients (50 classified as Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] A, 33 as CTP B, and 17 as CTP C) who underwent abdominal surgery at an institution specializing in liver medicine and transplant from 2002-2008. Significant univariate variables were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models to identify factors that correlate with outcome. RESULTS: The overall, 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 7%. The mortality for patients who were CTP A was 2%, CTP B was 12%, and CTP C was 12%; 33 patients had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score >or=15, with 29% mortality. On the basis of multivariate analyses, risk factors for adverse outcome were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score >3; procedures being emergent; intraoperative blood transfusion; intraoperative blood loss >150 mL; presence of ascites; total bilirubin level >1.5 mg/dL; and albumin level <3 mg/dL. Addition of serum albumin to MELD score showed that patients with MELD score >or=15 and albumin 2.5 mg/dL) had significantly increased mortality (60% vs 14%, P < .01) and independently increased probability of adverse outcome (odds ratio, 8.4; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with MELD scores >or=15, the preoperative albumin level correlates with outcome and could guide operative decisions. Intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion correlates with adverse outcome and should be limited.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal anastomotic dehiscence after hospital discharge: Impact on patient management and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks are inevitable complications of gastrointestinal surgery. Early hospital discharge protocols have increased concern regarding outpatient presentation with anastomotic leaks. METHODS: One hundred anastomotic leaks in 5,387 intestinal operations performed at a single institution from 2002 to 2007 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Statistical analysis was conducted by the unpaired t test, Chi-square test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Overall anastomotic leak with a rate of 2.6% for colonic and 0.53% for small bowel anastomoses. Mean time to anastomotic leak diagnosis was 7 days after operation. Twenty-six patients presented after discharge, with mean time to diagnosis 12 days versus 6 days for inpatients (P<.05). Patients presenting after hospital discharge were younger, had lesser American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, and were more likely to have colon cancer and less likely to have Crohn's disease. Ninety-two patients required operative management, of whom 81 (90%) underwent diversion. No difference in management, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, duration of stay, or mortality between inpatient versus outpatient diagnosis was demonstrated. Follow-up at mean of 36 months demonstrated no difference in readmission, reoperation, or mortality rate between outpatient and inpatient diagnosis. Restoration of gastrointestinal continuity was achieved in 61-67% in the outpatient and 59% in the inpatient group (P=NS). CONCLUSION: Outpatient presentation delays diagnosis but does not alter management or clinical outcome, or decrease the probability of ostomy reversal. Prolonging hospital stay to capture patients who develop anastomotic leak seems to be unwarranted. For patients requiring operative management, we recommend diversion as the safest option with a subsequent 61% reversal rate.

Selective management of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Detection of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) proves challenging. We hypothesized that grouping clinically significant predictors would increase reliability of detection. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 144 consecutive patients who presented to a single tertiary care institution from 2002 to 2007 with ABP. RESULTS: Of the 144 patients, 32 had a persistent CBD stone. Following multivariate analysis, admission CBD size on ultrasound, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), total bilirubin (TB), and direct bilirubin (DB) significantly correlated with persistent CBD stone. Receiver operator curve analysis and linear regression were applied to obtain optimal and equitable predictive values, and variables combined. Optimal values were: CBD >or= 9 mm; AP >or= 250 U/l; GGT >or= 350 U/l; TB >or= 3 mg/dl; and DB >or= 2 mg/dl. Presence of five variables had an associated odds ratio (OR) of 53.1 (p < 0.001) and four variables an OR of 8.97 (p = 0.004) for presence of persistent CBD stone. Zero variables conferred a significantly decreased probability of CBD stone, OR 0.15 (p < 0.001). Presence of one to three variables did not predict presence of CBD stone. CONCLUSION: Presence of four or five variables significantly correlated with persistent CBD stone. Biliary evaluation by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is suggested, as initial magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may only increase cost and delay time to intervention. In the absence of any variable, biliary evaluation by intraoperative cholangiogram may be sufficient. Decisions regarding patients with one to three variables should occur on a case-to-case basis. Initial biliary evaluation by MRCP is likely preferable, however, as no increased probability of CBD stone was identified, thus not warranting risks associated with intervention.

The first decade of a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy program: effect of surgeon and institution experience with 512 cases from 1996 to 2006.

BACKGROUND: Although the procedure is generally safe, significant morbidity and even mortality have occurred after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The learning curves for both surgeons and institutions with LDN have not been well delineated, and longterm donor data are not well reported. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of the initial 512 patients undergoing LDN performed at Mount Sinai Medical Center between October 1996 and March 2006 was performed. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative surgical outcomes were reviewed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of outcomes, including the experience level of individual surgeons and of the institution. Longitudinal followup data of donor patients between 1 month and 9 years were obtained. RESULTS: Mean donor age was 39.2 years, and 54.6% of patients were women. Left kidneys were procured in 84.0%. Operative time averaged 215.2 minutes, and warm ischemia time, 166.6 seconds. The conversion rate was 1.4%, and hand-assistance was used in 49.9%. The intraoperative complication rate was 5.5%, 30-day complication rate 9.4%, and 1.4% of patients required reoperation. Immediate graft survival was 97.1%, acute tubular necrosis occurred in 8.5%, and delayed graft function in 3.7%. At a mean followup of 37.2 months, delayed donor complications were infrequent, but included chronic pain, hypertension, incisional hernia, and small bowel obstruction. Although individual surgeons and our institution gained experience, operative and warm ischemia times decreased significantly, but complication rates were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although a learning curve was discovered for operative time and warm ischemia time, excellent results can be achieved during the early experience of both surgeons and institutions with LDN, and maintained over time. Younger, female, and nonobese donors were associated with fewer complications. Longterm donor morbidity is uncommon, but mandates better followup.

Laparoscopic resection of giant adrenal cavernous hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Large adrenal tumors were initially believed to be a relative contraindication to laparoscopic adrenalectomy. METHODS: Here we discuss the case of a 42-year-old female with a 12-cm adrenal mass. RESULTS: The patient underwent successful laparoscopic resection, and pathology revealed a cavernous hemangioma, a rare benign tumor of the adrenal gland. CONCLUSION: The following is a discussion of the case, laparoscopic resection technique, and brief review of adrenal hemangiomas. In experienced hands, adrenal mass size should not be considered a contraindication to laparoscopic intervention.

Current recommendations on diagnosis and management of right-sided diverticulitis.

We present the case of a 52-year-old female with recurrent symptomatic ascending colon diverticulitis who ultimately underwent elective laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The following is a case report and literature review pertaining to right colonic diverticular disease.

Laparoscopic and open reversal of Hartmann's procedure--a comparative retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure has traditionally required laparotomy. This study compares our experience with laparoscopic and open reversal of Hartmann's procedure. STUDY DESIGN: All laparoscopic and open Hartmann's reversal procedures performed between January 1998 and June 2006 were reviewed. Patients with laparoscopic reversal were retrospectively matched by age, body mass index (BMI), and indication to controls with open reversal. Demographic data, perioperative course, and postoperative complications were documented. RESULTS: We identified 41 patients who underwent laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure and these were matched to 41 patients with open reversal. The groups had similar average age and BMI. The predominant indication for surgery in both groups was diverticular disease. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in eight patients (19.5%), and was due to dense adhesions or difficulty in identification of the rectal stump. Adhesions were significantly greater in the conversion group (p <0.05), and the rectal stump was not marked in any of these cases. The most common short-term complications were ileus and surgical site infection. There were no anastomotic leaks and no mortalities. The mean operative times in the laparoscopic and open groups were 193 versus 209 min, respectively (p = 0.33). The laparoscopic group had a significantly lower estimated blood loss of 166 versus 326 mL (p < 0.0005), shorter time to bowel function return (4.1 versus 5.2 days, p < 0.05), and a shorter hospital stay (6.4 versus 8.0 days, p < 0.05). The major complication rate was also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (4.8% versus 12.1%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure is a safe and practical alternative to open reversal. It can be performed with similar operative time, fewer complications, and a faster recovery time. Conversion during the reversal procedure was significantly impacted by severity of adhesions and marking of the rectal stump.

Laparoscopic removal of a large gastric trichobezoar in a 4-year-old girl.

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of large gastric bezoars not amenable to medical or endoscopic management is surgical removal. The optimal operative approach, laparotomy versus laparoscopy, is a contested subject. Though laparoscopic removal has been described, it remains a relatively new technique for surgical management with outcome literature limited to case reports. In addition, currently described laparoscopic techniques often involve limited midline laparotomy incisions or >3 cm extensions of port sites. METHODS: The following describes the case of a 4-year-old girl with a large gastric trichobezoar. RESULTS: The gastric trichobezoar was successfully removed through a 12-mm left lower quadrant trocar incision cosmetically hidden within a skin crease. CONCLUSION: This case, along with accumulating literature, supports the use of laparoscopy to treat large gastric bezoars.

Recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a prospective pilot study of suture versus tack fixation.

Mesh fixation in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair requires the use of tacks and/or permanent transabdominal sutures. Sutures pass through all fascial and muscle layers of the anterior abdominal wall, whereas tacks secure the mesh simply to peritoneum. Controversy exists regarding the optimal fixation method. In this pilot study, we compared recurrence rates between these two techniques. Patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at the Mount Sinai Medical Center were prospectively and nonrandomly enrolled in the study and underwent either suture-fixation or tack-fixation. Office charts, computed tomography, and telephone interviews were used to determine recurrence events. chi2 and Student's t tests were performed to compare group characteristics and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess for recurrence predictors after adjusting for potential confounders. From 2004 to 2005, 27 patients had suture repairs and 21 had tack repairs. The two groups had similar demographic, history, and operative variables. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, the recurrence rate was 14 per cent. In multivariate analyses, fixation method did not significantly affect recurrence. In this pilot study, patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with primarily transabdominal sutures or tacks experienced similar recurrence rates. Future studies will be needed to validate these findings.

Laparoscopic cortical-sparing adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytoma.

A 32-year-old female with asthma was hospitalized for pneumonia in 2/06. She underwent a CT scan of the chest which revealed an incidental finding of bilateral adrenal masses. On further questioning, she admitted to palpitations and flushing. She was normotensive. Biochemical workup was significant for elevated urinary norepinephrine and normetanephrines, and plasma catecholamine level. MIBG scan showed positive uptake in the left adrenal gland consistent with pheochromocytoma. T2 weighted MRI showed bilateral adrenal masses, left greater than right. After adequate alpha blockade with phenoxybenzamine, the patient underwent a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed a 3.5 cm pheochromocytoma. The patient then underwent a right cortical-sparing adrenalectomy to avoid complete adrenal insufficiency and Addisonian crisis. The choice of operation was made realizing the potential for increased bleeding, which was further complicated by the patient's Jehovah's Witness beliefs, which prohibit transfusion of any blood products. At surgery, a small, well-circumscribed mass of the inferior right adrenal gland was found, and excised in its entirety. A postoperative ACTH-stimulation test showed appropriate cortisol response. Pathology revealed a 1.5 cm pheochromocytoma, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Cortical-sparing adrenalectomy has been reported with success rates of 65-100% in avoiding exogenous steroid dependence.(1,2) Bilateral pheochromocytoma remains the most common indication. Risks for both recurrence and malignancy require lifelong follow-up in these patients.