Comparing ultrasound-guided ablation and laparoscopic surgery for adrenal tumors

Resident Doctor, Master Degree Candidate

Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05991856

This study is testing whether ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is as safe and effective as laparoscopic surgery for treating adrenal tumors in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThird Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05991856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for treating aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). It will involve a retrospective collection of data from 30 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation and 15 patients who had laparoscopic adrenalectomy, matched by age and sex. The study will follow these patients for three years to assess long-term outcomes. This research is significant as it is one of the first to compare these two treatment methods in a larger cohort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with confirmed unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral adrenal diseases, multiple adrenal tumors, or other adrenal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into a less invasive treatment option for patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been few studies on this topic, the approach of using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is relatively novel and has shown promising results in preliminary cases.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. APA was confirmed with unilateral lesions;
2. Benign tumor without adrenal metastasis and endovascular tumor embolus;
3. Receive ultrasound-guided adrenal RFA treatment or laparoscopic resection, and sign the informed consent for surgery;
4. Age ≥ 18;
5. Age ≥ 40 years old should meet the following criteria: blood potassium ≤3.5mmol/L; PAC≥20ng/dL; PRC≤5μIU/mL; A unilateral adrenal nodule of 10mm or more was completely normal on the opposite side.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bilateral adrenal diseases;
2. Multiple adrenal tumors;
3. Other adrenal diseases, such as adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, etc.;
4. Imaging suggests that the tumor may be difficult to reach;
5. Imaging showed potential malignant adrenal tumor;
6. Pregnant and/or planning a pregnancy;
7. Refusing to participate in follow-up visits.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Aldosterone-producing Adenoma, Radiofrequency Ablation, aldosterone-producing adenoma, radiofrequency ablation, laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.