Retroperitoneoscopic-Guided Cool-Tip Radiofrequency Ablation of Adrenocortical Aldosteronoma

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the feasibility, safety, and therapeutic effects of retroperitoneoscopic-guided cool-tip radiofrequency ablation (RCRFA) used for the treatment of adrenocortical aldosteronoma. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective comparison of RCRFA (n=12) and laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA) (n=26) in the patients with solitary aldosterone-producing adenoma in our center from 2006 to 2009. Intraoperative and follow-up data were reviewed for clinical parameters and hormone levels. Univariate analysis was performed to measure the consistency of these clinical parameters preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: All patients presented hypertension, hypokalemia, and high aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR>30) preoperatively and were finally histologically confirmed as aldosteronoma. Technical success rate of these two procedures was 100%. Every patient was followed up for more than 3 years (mean 49.2±15.6 months). There was no evidence of residual or recurrent lesion postopera...