OBJECTIVES Laparoscopic adrenalectomy offers the potential benefits of a smaller operation with more rapid hospital discharge, compared to open surgery. Only a few small series have been reported so far. We describe our preliminary experience of 14 adrenalectomies using this new technique.DESIGN Review of all adrenalectomies (with the pre‐operative intention of laparoscopic removal) performed in an endocrine unit whose surgeon already had abdominal laparoscopic experience, particularly with cholecystectomy.PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Twelve patients (3 with Conn's syndrome, 3 Cushing's syndrome, 1 Cushing's disease, 2 phaeochromocytomas and 3 adrenal incidentalomas) were operated between September 1993 and February 1996. Operating times, operative technique, time from surgery to discharge, outcome and all complications were recorded prospectively. Comparative data were obtained from 14 consecutive open adrenalectomies performed by the same surgeon between February 1989 and February 1995.RESULTS Fourteen glands were removed, two with a cholecystectomy, in 12 operations. Operating time (mean (range) 120 (60–225) min) was reduced with experience. Positioning the patient in the right lateral position facilitated left adrenalectomy. Time to discharge (mean (range)) was 5.3 (1–12) days. There were relatively minor complications in three patients, including two with Cushing's syndrome: a hernia at a port site, intra‐peritoneal/wound haemorrhage and a pressure sore. Time to discharge for open adrenalectomy (mean (range)) was 6.5 (2–11) days and one case was complicated by wound infection.CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a practical technique for appropriately trained surgeons who regularly undertake adrenalectomy. The smaller incisions offer potential advantages, particularly for patients with poor tissue quality due to Cushing's syndrome, but tissue haemorrhage may still be a problem in these patients. Time to hospital discharge was similar to th