To review and discuss the experience of diagnosis and treatment of adrenal ganglioneuroma.

Clinical data of 80 cases of adrenal ganglioneuroma undergoing surgery during January 1982 to May 2017 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 36 male and 44 female patients. Age ranged from 8 to 69 years old (mean 37.7 years old). The tumor diameter were 1.5 to 18.0 cm (mean 4.3 cm). There were 61 cases of adrenal ganglioneuroma diagnosed by imaging examination. All patients underwent adrenalectomy.

All procedures were performed successfully without serious complication. Including 15 open surgery and 64 retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. One laparoscopic case conversion to open surgery. The pathological diagnosis was adrenal ganglioneuroma. Fifteen cases were mixed with other tumor components. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up of 2 months to 35 years.

The diagnostic techniques for adrenal ganglioneuroma are helpful to judge the tumor property before operation. The laparoscopic surgery has become the current method for resecting tumors. It shows advantages of small trauma and speedy recovery. The relationship between tumor and surrounding tissues should be understand clearly before operation. Full preparation must be made before operation if adrenal ganglioneuroma mixed with other tumor components.

Adrenal gland neoplasms; Diagnosis; Laparoscopy