Laparoscopic resection of an adrenaline secreting para-aortic paraganglioma

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue. About half of paragangliomas occur in the para-aortic region, and only a few are functional. Although surgical resection remains the definitive treatment, only a few cases of laparoscopic resection of para-aortic paragangliomas have been reported. Here, we report a case of catecholamine-secreting left para-aortic paraganglioma resected laparoscopically. Laparoscopic resection of these tumors is associated with lesser blood loss, lesser postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays. The close cooperation between the surgeon and anesthesiologist is highlighted.