Abstract: 10 cases of primary hyperaldosteronism were operated from May 1985 to April 1988. All the patients were preoperatively investigated with 4 methods for localizing the site of the tumor: B-ultrasonography; CT scanning; Angiography; Adrenal venous sampling to measure the concentration of aldosterone. CT scanning and adrenal venous sampling were proved to be the most reliable, giving a yield of 75% and 71.4% respectively. After employing all the 4 methods, positive results were obtained in 7 patients, although the tumors were intraoperatively and histologically confirmed in only 5 cases. The diagnostic yield of these investigations was thus calculated to be 71.4%. A discussion on how to select the operative aproach Was presented unilateral approach still can not replace the conventional transabodominal approach.

Key words: adrenal, primary hyperaldosteronism, localization, operative approach