Right laparoscopic adrenalectomy vs. left laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Due to more complex anatomical features, right laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) could be more challenging than left laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LLA). However, this opinion remains elusive.

To evaluate the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of RLA versus LLA.

A systematic literature research of the PubMed, Ovid, Scopus databases (up to March 2021) and citation lists were performed to identify eligible studies. All studies comparing RLA versus LLA were included. Data were analysed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Overall, 5 studies including 780 patients (RLA 361; LLA 419) were included. The operative time was similar in both groups (WMD -9.38 min, 95% CI: -21.04 to 2.28; p = 0.11). Compared with LLA, RLA showed greater volume of estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD 13.82 ml, 95% CI: 3.77, 23.88; p = 0.007) and higher conversion rate (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.12 to 10.57; p = 0.03). RLA had comparable complications (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.76; p = 0.71), Clavien Dindo score ≥ 3 complications (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.65; p = 0.20), and length of hospital stay (WMD -0.07 days, 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.21; p = 0.61). The transperitoneal approach analysis showed consistent results.

RLA is associated with a higher risk of bleeding and higher conversion rate.