Malignant pheochromocytoma treated with minimally invasive surgeryIntroduction: Pheochromocytoma is a tumor derived from chromaffin cells that produces cathecolamines. Malignant pheochromocytomas are extremely rare. Aim: To describe 2 cases of malignant Pheochromocytoma treated with pure laparoscopic and robot assisted surgery. Clinical cases: Two female patients, 31 and 51 years of age, presented with a history of high blood pressure and abdominal pain. Radiologic and metabolic studies confirmed the diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma in both patients. A pure laparoscopic approach was performed in the first patient while a robotic assisted laparoscopy was done in the second patient. In both cases, adrenalectomy with in bloc nephrectomy was performed due to compromise of the renal sinus. There were no complications or conversion to open surgery. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of malignant Pheochromocytoma with metastasis to regional nodes and negative surgical margins. At follow-up, there is no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Malignant Pheochromocytoma can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, with morbidity and oncological outcomes similar to open approach.

Living robotic donor nephrectomy. The first case in Latin AmericaIntroduction: Living donor nephrectomy is the best alternative of treatment for patients with chronic renal disease. Even though open surgery remains the gold standard for donor nephrectomy, laparoscopic surgery has become a feasible alternative in referral centers. To minimize the long learning curve associated with this procedure, some centers have introduced robotic donor nephrectomy as a surgical option. Aim: To present the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in Latin America. Clinical case: The donor is a 50 years old male, living-related to the recipient by affinity (husband/wife). The recipient is a 54 years old female with history of end-stage renal disease waiting to initiate dialysis program. A left transperitoneal robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy employing the da Vinci Si ® (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale CA.) is performed. Mean operative time was 188 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 300 ml. Mean ischemia time was 6 minutes. The graft presented immediate function. Both patients were discharged at 72 h. Conclusion: Living donor robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is a safe and viable procedure. Larger series are needed to establish its role.