Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Assessment of the diagnostic efficacy of radiological and functional evaluation of primary adrenal mass and its' surgical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the most commonly used radiological evaluation in form of contrast enhanced computed tomography of abdomen with adrenal protocol, basic functional evaluation and surgical outcomes of primary adrenal masses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have retrospectively analysed the institutional records of 108, patients admitted from August 2017 to September 2023, who had underwent surgical intervention for their adrenal mass after thorough evaluation and stabilization.

RESULTS

Flank pain was the most common symptoms in 44 (40.74%) patients. Non-functional adrenal adenoma was found in 36 (33.33%) patients. Pheochromocytoma was the most the common functional adrenal mass found in 24 (22.22%) patients. CECT abdomen had suggested features of malignancy in 16(14.81%) patients. In final histopathological report 26(24.07%) patients had pheochromocytoma and 12 (11.11%) patients had adrenocortical carcinoma. CECT abdomen had sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 95.6%. Plasma free metanephrines and normetanephrine analysis had shown sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 92.86%, aldosterone to renin ratio had sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 100%. Sensitivity and specificity of the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone was 100% in our study. Eighty patients (74.07%) were operated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy, 20 (18.52%) patients with open adrenalectomy. Eight patients (7.41%) were converted from laparoscopic to open. Laparoscopic approach had significantly lesser mean operating time, lesser blood loss, lesser hospitalization and lesser post-operative complications.

CONCLUSION

Radiological analysis and functional analysis has shown good sensitivity and high specificity. Laparoscopic approach has advantage of lesser operative time, lesser hospitalization and lesser post-operative complications.

Progress in surgical approaches and outcomes of patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Significant advances have been made in the past few decades in surgical management and outcomes of patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Improvements in preoperative hypertensive control with the implementation of alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade has resulted in better intra-operative blood pressure control and less incidence of hypertensive crises, which had been a large source of morbidity in the past. Emphasis on anesthesia and surgical team communication has also assisted in minimizing intraoperative hypertensive events at critical points of the operation. Shifting away from open resection, the now standard-of-care laparoscopic and minimally invasive adrenalectomy offers less pain, shorter hospitalizations, and quicker recoveries. Patient underlying germline mutations can guide the timing, approach, and extent of surgery. Postoperative outcomes have significantly improved with recent advancements in perioperative care in addition to regimented biochemical and radiographic surveillance. Here, we highlight the recent advancements in surgical approaches and outcomes for patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation and laparoscopic adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism: a meta‑analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy (including blood pressure, medication reduction, serum potassium, and clinical success) and safety parameters (including operative time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, hypertension crisis rate, and complication rate) of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in the treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA).

METHODS

Literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2023), Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang from inception to August 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The Stata 12.0 software was used for statistical analyses. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for categorical outcomes, while mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% CI were calculated for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies involving 204 patients (LA, n = 127; and RAF, n = 77) were included. LA had better diastolic blood pressure control than RFA (WMD = 5.19; 95% CI 0.96-9.43); however, the RFA demonstrated better shorter operative time (WMD = - 57.99; 95% CI - 116.54 to 0.57), and shorter length of hospital stay (OR - 1.6; 95% CI - 2.37 to - 0.83) compared to LA. All remaining parameters were comparable between the interventions.

CONCLUSION

While grossly comparable in efficacy as treatment options for PA, RFA may allow for shorter operative time and hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss, and lower hospitalization costs. However, LA has better diastolic blood pressure control. Even so, we still need larger prospective studies, specifically with comparative hypertension response (short and long term) and number of post-procedural antihypertensive medication requirement.

The effect of mass functionality on laparoscopic adrenalectomy outcomes

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the effect of adrenal mass functionality and different hormone subtypes synthesized by the adrenal masses on laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 298 patients, 154 of whom were diagnosed with nonfunctional masses. In the functional group, 33, 62, and 59 patients had Conn syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma, respectively. The variables were analyzed between the functional and nonfunctional groups and then compared among functional masses through subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, blood loss, and length of hospital stay (LOH) were significantly higher in the functional group than in the nonfunctional group. In the subgroup analysis, patients with pheochromocytoma had significantly lower body mass index but significantly higher mass size, blood loss, and LOH than the other two groups. A positive correlation was found between mass size and blood loss in patients with pheochromocytoma (p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.761). However, no significant difference in complications was found among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with functional adrenal masses had higher comorbidity rates and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores. Moreover, blood loss and LOH were longer on patients with functional adrenal masses who underwent LA. Mass size, blood loss, and LOH in patients with pheochromocytoma were significantly longer than those in patients with other functional adrenal masses. Thus, mass functionality did not increase the complications.

Perirenal fat thickness is a powerful predictor for surgical outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy

OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been the gold standard surgical procedure. However, the adaptation criteria for malignant tumors and predictors of perioperative outcomes are not well defined. Therefore, this study tried to identify valid predictors for perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and consider the adaptation criteria.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative and perioperative data of 216 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our hospital. Preoperative factors associated with perioperative outcomes were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 216 patients, 165 (76.4%), 26 (12.0%), and 25 (11.6%) were suspected of having benign tumors, pheochromocytoma, and malignant tumors, respectively. Median tumor size was 25.0 mm (interquartile range 18.0-35.0); median perirenal fat thickness was 9.2 mm (interquartile range 4.9-15.6) on preoperative computed tomography scans. The median operative time was 145.5 min (interquartile range 117.5-184.0) and the median estimated blood loss was 0.0 mL (interquartile range 0.0-27.3). Perirenal fat thickness (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), and malignant tumors (p = 0.020) were associated with operative time, and perirenal fat thickness (p = 0.038) and malignant tumors (p = 0.002) were associated with estimated blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Perirenal fat thickness, tumor size, and malignant tumors are valid predictors of the surgical outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. As only perirenal fat thickness is associated with both surgical outcomes except for malignant tumors, it is a powerful predictor. Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large malignant adrenal tumors with thick perirenal fat should be performed with caution.

Laparoscopic or Open Adrenalectomy for Stage I-II Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Surgical resection of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is the only curative treatment. Even in localized (I-II) stages, open adrenalectomy (OA) is the gold standard, though laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) can be proposed in selected patients. Despite the postoperative benefits of LA, its role in the surgical management of patients with ACC remains controversial regarding oncologic outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of patients with localized ACC submitted to LA or OA in a referral center from 1995 to 2020. Among 180 consecutive patients operated on for ACC, 49 presented with localized ACC (19 LA and 30 OA). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for tumor size. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year overall survival were similar in both groups (p = 0.166) but 3-year disease-free survival was in favor of OA (p = 0.020). Though LA could be proposed in highly selected patients, OA should still be considered the standard approach in patients with known or suspected localized ACC.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive Adrenal Surgery at a Tertiary Care Centre in Oman

Objectives

This study aimed to review the case records and report the outcomes of open and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) cases.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent adrenal surgery from January 2010 to December 2020 at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. Demographic details, indications, surgical approaches, intra-operative data, complications, final pathology and outcome at the last follow-up were analysed.

Results

A total of 52 patients underwent 61 adrenalectomies; six patients had a bilateral procedure while three patients had to undergo revision surgery resulting in a total of 55 individual procedures. Open adrenalectomy (OA) was performed on 11 patients and 44 patients underwent LA. Most patients (n = 27) were obese with a body mass index >30. Functional adenoma was excised in 36 patients with final diagnosis of Conn's syndrome in 15, pheochromocytoma in 13 and Cushing's syndrome in nine patients. Five patients had surgery for oncological indications. Non-functional adenoma was excised in 13 patients, with a mean size of 8.9 cm (range: 4-15 cm). The mean duration of surgery was less in laparoscopic procedure compared to open (199 versus 246 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss in LA was significantly less (108 versus 450 mL; P <0.05). Out of 55 procedures, only one patient developed Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complication.

Conclusion

Both LA and OA were safely performed at the researchers' institution. There is a growing trend for LA, and with experience, the duration of surgery and estimated mean blood loss are demonstrating a positive trend.

Two Decades' Outcomes and Trends of Adrenalectomy for Benign Pathologies in Veterans

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in 1992, it has become the standard of care for most adrenal benign pathologies. This study compares the outcomes and trends of open (OA) versus LA in veterans for benign pathologies.

METHODS

Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for adrenalectomies performed for benign pathologies during the period 2000-2019. Data collection included demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1683 patients were included (91.4% males, mean age 59.6, mean body mass index 31.2, and 87.2% with American Society of Anesthesiologists class≥III). Overall, the mean operative time (OT) was 3.2 hours, the majority performed by general surgeons (71.4%), and the mean length of stay (LOS) was 4.1 days. There were 12 (0.7%) 30-day mortalities, and 162 patients (8.8%) developed ≥1 complication. LA was performed in 70.9% (1306), with the conversion rate of 0.85% (10). When compared with OA, patients with the laparoscopic approach were functionally independent, shorter OT, less intraoperative blood transfusion, shorter LOS, and lower mortality and morbidity. Dependent functional status, congestive heart failure, American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III, and smoking were independent predictors of mortality, whereas intraoperative transfusions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dependent functional status were predictors of morbidity. Trend analysis showed an 8-fold increase in the use of LA. However, trend analysis for morbidity and mortality rates showed no significant change for both approaches.

CONCLUSION

LA is being well adopted in the veterans affairs system with an 8-fold increase over 20 years, with lower morbidity and mortality compared with the open approach for benign adrenal pathologies.

Management of adreno-cortical adenomas using microwave ablation: study of the effects of the fat tissue

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adrenocortical neoplasms are the main causes of secondary hypertension and related comorbidities including hypokalemia and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional techniques for the management of this condition are often invasive and not resolutive. Recent studies proposed microwave thermal ablation (MWA) to eradicate adrenocortical adenomas arising in proximity to sensitive structures. This study explores a new MWA approach to selectively direct the electromagnetic energy into the target and shield the surrounding tissues. The new solution relies on the anatomical and dielectric characteristics of the adrenal gland and the surrounding fat capsule.

METHODS

A 3 D model of the adrenal gland is developed, and a cooled microwave applicator is placed parallel to the interface between the fat and adrenal tissue. Numerical simulations are conducted at 2.45 GHz accounting for two energy delivery settings, two orientations of the applicator and blood perfusion of the tissues. Ex vivo and in vivo ablation procedures are conducted on ovine adrenal glands. Histology analysis completes the experimental studies.

RESULTS

Numerical results show asymmetric ablation profiles in ex vivo and in vivo conditions. The asymmetry ratio is influenced by the procedure settings and orientation of the applicator. Ablation zones obtained experimentally agree with those predicted by the numerical simulations. Histology analysis confirms irreversible cellular changes only in the adrenal tissue close to the applicator.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes show that the dielectric contrast between the fat layer and tissue target can be a tool in MWA to shape ablation zones to protect the surrounding structures from excessive temperature increases.

[Are there still indications for open adrenalectomy?]

Despite the triumph of minimally invasive techniques in adrenal surgery, the indications for open adrenalectomy are indispensable in the canon of treatment options and must remain part of the repertoire of visceral surgery. Open adrenalectomy is indicated for advanced adrenal carcinoma (ENSAT stage III). In addition to the frequent local infiltration of these carcinomas which makes the en bloc resection of adjacent organs necessary, thromboses in the renal vein or the vena cava or multiple lymph node metastases can also necessitate an open procedure; however, open adrenalectomy is justified and must also be discussed for adrenocortical carcinoma ENSAT stages I-II (tumor size ≤ 5 cm or > 5 cm, NO). Furthermore, highly suspicious large adrenal tumors (6-8 cm, Hounsfield units > 20) without preoperative evidence of malignancy and other adrenal pathologies, such as neuroblastomas, large pheochromocytomas and also schwannomas can be an indication for open adrenalectomy.

High-Volume Center Experience with Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy over Two Decades

Background: Study aims to demonstrate single-institution two decades experience with lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies. Methods: Retrospective study involved 991 operations grouped into 4 cohorts. Data was collected on the patients’ age, sex, side and size of the lesion, histopathological type, hormonal activity, conversion to open adrenalectomy, operating time, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications. Results: The operations were right-sided (n = 550), left-sided (n = 422), bilateral (n = 19). Mean tumor size was 41.9 mm. Histopathological examination revealed 442 adenomas, 191 nodular hyperplasias, 218 pheochromocytomas, 33 malignancies and 126 other lesions. 541 patients had hormonally active tumors. Mean operating time for unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was 141 min. Mean length of hospital stay was 5.27 days. Intraoperative complications rate was 2.3%. Conversion rate was 1.5%. 54 of patients had 70 postoperative complications. Reoperation rate was 1%. Mortality rate was 0.1%. Statistically significant differences were found in all factors, apart from age, sex, side and size of the lesion, reoperations rate (p > 0.05). Conversions rate, complications rates, length of hospital stay were highest in the first group (p < 0.05). Operating time shortened in the first decade. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure with negligible mortality. Conversions rate, perioperative complications rate, and length of hospital stay, significantly decreased over time.

Incidental Adrenal Mass in a Patient With Surgically Treated Lung Adenocarcinoma

Adrenal metastases are not uncommon in patients with widespread metastatic lung cancer. Isolated metachronous adrenal metastases in cases of surgically treated lung cancer without long-term evidence of disease are rare and may pose a diagnostic and treatment dilemma. The current literature suggests that in such cases, adrenalectomy provides better median and overall survival rates. This case presents an incidentally discovered isolated adrenal mass in a patient with a past medical history of lung adenocarcinoma that was surgically removed three years before metastasis discovery. The patient successfully underwent adrenalectomy and was disease-free with no apparent complications at her three-month follow-up visit. The case highlights the importance of long-term radiographic surveillance after surgical resection of lung adenocarcinoma for the prompt diagnosis and timely treatment of metachronous metastases.

Longitudinal analysis of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy regarding cosmesis outcomes: comparison of lateral transperitoneal and reduced port laparoscopic adrenalectomy

The aim of this study is to compare patient-reported cosmesis and satisfaction outcomes between lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (LRA), laparoendoscopic single site and reduced port adrenalectomy (LESS/RP-A) and lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTA). A total of 26, 86 and 50 patients who underwent LRA, LESS/RP-A and LTA were included in the study. All LESS/RP-A cases were performed taking the transumbilical approach. We mailed a questionnaire to all patients 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after operation. Questionnaires inquiring about cosmesis (0: very ugly, 10: very beautiful) on the basis of a visual analogue scale were administered. The mean scores of cosmesis at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 were 7.11, 7.00, 6.57, 5.25 and 5.46 for the LRA group, 8.43, 8.86, 8.95, 8.46 and 9.09 for the LESS/RP-A group and 7.18, 7.74, 7.58, 7.44 and 8.09 for the LTA group. The difference in cosmesis score between the LRA and LESS/RP-A groups gradually increased after surgery, and the cosmesis score for the LRA group was significantly lower at every postoperative point. The difference in cosmesis score between the LRA and LTA groups gradually increased after surgery, and the cosmesis score for the LRA group was significantly lower at postoperative months 9 (p = 0.015) and 12 (p = 0.002). This study is the first comprehensive longitudinal analysis of patient-reported cosmesis outcomes between LRA, LESS/RP-A and LTA. LRA was the surgical procedure that resulted in lower cosmesis scores when compared with those following the LESS/RP-A and LTA procedures.

Development and validation of a preoperative "difficulty score" for laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy: a multicenter retrospective study

Background

A difficulty score for laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is lacking in the literature. A retrospective cohort study was designed to develop a preoperative “difficulty score” for LA.

Methods

A multicenter study was conducted involving four Italian tertiary centers for adrenal disease. The population was randomly divided into two subsets: training group and validation one. A multicenter study was undertaken, including 964 patients. Patient, adrenal lesion, surgeon’s characteristics, and the type of procedure were studied as potential predictors of target events. The operative time (pOT), conversion rate (cLA), or both were used as indicators of the difficulty in three multivariate models. All models were developed in a training cohort (70% of the sample) and validated using 30% of patients. For all models, the ability to predict complicated postoperative course was reported describing the area under the curve (AUCs). Logistic regression, reporting odds ratio (OR) with p-value, was used.

Results

In model A, gender (OR 2.04, p = 0.001), BMI (OR 1.07, p = 0.002), previous surgery (OR 1.29, p = 0.048), site (OR 21.8, p < 0.001) and size of the lesion (OR 1.16, p = 0.002), cumulative sum of procedures (OR 0.99, p < 0.001), extended (OR 26.72, p < 0.001) or associated procedures (OR 4.32, p = 0.015) increased the pOT. In model B, ASA (OR 2.86, p = 0.001), lesion size (OR 1.20, p = 0.005), and extended resection (OR 8.85, p = 0.007) increased the cLA risk. Model C had similar results to model A. All scores obtained predicted the target events in validation cohort (OR 1.99, p < 0.001; OR 1.37, p = 0.007; OR 1.70, p < 0.001, score A, B, and C, respectively). The AUCs in predicting complications were 0.740, 0.686, and 0.763 for model A, B, and C, respectively.

Conclusion

A difficulty score based on both pOT and cLA (Model C) was developed using 70% of the sample. The score was validated using a second cohort. Finally, the score was tested, and its results are able to predict a complicated postoperative course.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-021-08678-6.

A case of adrenocortical adenoma harboring venous thrombus mimicking adrenal malignancy

Advances in imaging technology and its widespread use have increased the number of identified patients with bilateral adrenal incidentalomas. The pathology of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas is gradually elucidated by its increased frequency. Although there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of bilateral adrenal lesions, adrenal lesions that are a suspected adrenocortical carcinoma on the basis of radiological imaging require surgical resection. We report a clinically interesting case of a 59-year-old female with adrenocortical adenoma harboring venous thrombus that mimicked adrenal malignancy. She was referred for evaluation of asymptomatic asymmetric lesions on both adrenal glands. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a 4.7-cm-diameter heterogenous lesion with peripheral enhancement in the right adrenal gland and a 2.0-cm-diameter homogenous lesion in the left adrenal gland. Adrenal scintigraphy with ¹³¹I-adosterol exhibited marked accumulation in the left lesion and slight accumulation in the middle inferior portion of the right lesion. Endocrine data revealed subclinical Cushing syndrome, and the patient underwent right laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The serum cortisol level was not suppressed on an overnight dexamethasone suppression test after the adrenalectomy. The resected tumor revealed a cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma harboring an organized and re-canalized venous thrombus, which was associated with focal papillary endothelial hyperplasia. This case illustrates the difficulty with preoperatively diagnosing this heterogeneously enhanced large benign adrenal lesion and differentiating it from adrenocortical carcinoma or angiosarcoma.

Comparison of the radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for aldosterone-producing adenoma: a meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes and safety

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a new treatment for primary aldosteronism owing to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). We aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes and safety of RFA and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for patients with APA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for all literatures published from January 2001 to September 2020 to compare RFA with LA for APA. After data extraction and quality assessments, we used Review Manager 5.4.1 and STATA 14.0 to pool the data. Four retrospective studies consisting of 170 patients were obtained. Patients who underwent RFA were associated with shorter operative time (standard mean difference (SMD): -1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.86 to 0.11, P = 0.04), less intraoperative blood loss (SMD: -0.61, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.26, P = 0.0007), and shorter hospital stay (weight mean difference (WMD): -1.40, 95% CI: -1.71 to -1.10, P < 0.00001) than those who underwent LA. No significant differences were found in the complication rate (odds ratio (OR): 0.67, 95% CI: 0.27-1.68, P = 0.39), the incidence of hypertensive crisis (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 0.36-27.94, P = 0.30), the conversion rate (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.04-4.32, P = 0.48) or the treatment success rate (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.22-2.39, P = 0.59) between the two groups. RFA could achieve clinical outcomes that approach LA for patients with APA but result in shorter operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. However, RFA does not appear to be able to replace the LA. Future prospective randomized trials are needed to validate these results.

Ablation versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for the treatment of aldosterone‑producing adenoma: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the relative clinical efficacy and safety of ablation and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for the treatment of adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies, while the meta-analysis was performed with RevMan v5.3.

RESULTS

After initially identifying 496 potentially relevant studies, five were ultimately included in the final meta-analysis. In total, these studies contained 128 patients that underwent LA and 91 patients that underwent ablation to treat APA. Clinical success rates were comparable between these two groups (OR: 0.55, P = 0.20), whereas the pooled decreases of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly larger in the ablation group (P = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively). Pooled changes in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), serum potassium levels, and medication use were similar in both groups (P = 0.62, 0.24, and 0.96, respectively). The average operative duration in the ablation group was somewhat shorter, but the difference was not significant (MD: - 57.99; P = 0.05), whereas the average blood loss and postoperative hospital stay duration of patients in the ablation group were decreased for patients in the ablation group compared to the LA group (P < 0.00001 and 0.00001, respectively). Major complication, minor complication, and hypertension crisis rates were comparable between these groups (P = 0.35, 0.69, and 0.09, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation offers comparable efficacy to LA when treating patients with APA, but is associated with a reduced operative duration, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery.

Adrenal surgery: Review of 35 years experience in a single centre

INTRODUCTION

The rate of adrenal disease diagnosed is progressively increasing due to the diagnostic tools improvement. We analysed patients that underwent to adrenalectomy in our centre for different adrenal pathologies and we tried to established guidelines for the surgical therapy.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data were prospectively entered in a computerized endocrine surgery registry for all patients who underwent surgery for adrenal lesions at our institution over a 35-year period and statistical analyses was performed.

RESULTS

Between 1986 and 2020, 502 patients underwent adrenalectomy: open adrenalectomy (OA) was performed in 104 patients (28,6%), laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in 398 patients (71,4%). The rate of conversion to OA was 5,9% (21 patients). The mean operating time in laparoscopic approach was 84.3 min (range 40-180) while in open approach was 121.9 min (40-210). The average length of stay (LOS) for LA was 3.6 days, while for OA was 7.4 days. The time to return to normal activity for LA was 21 days while for OA was 37 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The progressive increase in the number of adrenalectomies performed is due more to a better understanding of adrenal disease than to the availability of minimally invasive techniques. The choice of a laparoscopic approach should depend on the surgeon's experience, regardless the dimension of the lesion. Considering our long experience, we suggest OA for lesion of more of 6 cm, for malignant lesion with a diameter higher than 3 cm or with a pre-operatory evidence of invasion of the surrounding tissue.

Pheochromocytoma as a cause of repeated acute myocardial infarctions, heart failure, and transient erythrocytosis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamines-secreting tumor arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. It classically presents with paroxysmal hypertension, headaches, palpitations, sweating, and metabolic disorders. Atypical presentations such as acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke, and transient erythrocytosis have been infrequently documented.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe the case of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with pheochromocytoma presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, heart failure, and transient erythrocytosis with nonobstructed coronary arteries. This was his second heart attack. The patient was previously diagnosed with myocardial infarction, and an immense mass was found on the left adrenal gland 3 years prior. Based on clinical and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed. His coronary angiogram showed nonobstructed coronary arteries except for a myocardial bridge in the left anterior descending branch. This was a form of type-2 myocardial infarction. The myocardial cell lesions were caused by sudden secretion of catecholamines by the pheochromocytoma. Even more atypically, his hemoglobin level was obviously elevated at admission, but after a few days of treatment with an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, it dropped to normal levels without additional treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pheochromocytoma may be a cause of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and transient erythrocytosis.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for giant adrenal tumours: Technical considerations and surgical outcome

Background:

Giant adrenal tumours are tumours with size ≥6 cm. These are rare cancer associated with malignancy in 25% of cases.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of patients admitted to our high-volume centre of Careggi University Hospital with a giant adrenal tumour and submitted to adrenalectomy between January 2008 and December 2018. The group of patients who underwent to laparoscopic adrenalectomy was compared with a group of patients that was submitted to open adrenalectomy.

Results:

In the past 10 years, we performed about 245 adrenalectomies for benign and malignant adrenal tumours. Fifty (20.4%) of these were giant tumours. The medium size was 9.9 cm (7–22 cm). The mean age was 57 years (21–81 years). Thirty-four (68%) of these cancers were laparoscopically removed and 16 (32%) with an open approach. The surgical outcomes in these patients were optimal if compared to the group of patients submitted to open approach in terms of good pain control, hospital stay, mean operative time and bloodless. No difference was observed about post-operative complications in the two groups. The follow-up after 30 months for malignant tumours did not show local recurrences.

Conclusion:

Our results pinpoint the advantages of performing a laparoscopic adrenalectomy for giant adrenal tumours. The tumour size is only a predictive parameter of possible malignancy, and the laparoscopic approach is a safe and feasible method in terms of surgical and oncological, only if performed by expert surgeons and in high-volume centres.

Perioperative management of pheocromocytoma/ paraganglioma: a comprehensive review

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms that require adequate preoperative evaluation in order to prevent and lessen the serious complications of catecholamine hypersecretion. Preoperative management contributes to reducing morbidity and mortality rates in patients who have not been diagnosed with this condition and undergo any surgery. However, current mortality seems to be lower, a fact attributed to preoperative management with alpha blockers.

An intra-operative video comparison of laparoscopic versus robotic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim was to compare intraoperative conduct of adrenalectomy between laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

METHODS

Intraoperative video-recordings of patients who underwent robotic (n = 30) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (n = 30) were analysed using Mann-Whitney U, chi-square and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Demographics, indications and outcomes were similar between groups. For all tumour sizes, camera was more engaged to surgical task and exhibited less vision problems in robotic versus laparoscopic group. There was less instrument exchange and restriction of exposure with robotic approach. For dissection, robotic approach allowed for a wider range of instrument reach around adrenal. Robotically, there was an increased ability to do fine dissection, rather than en bloc division with rigid laparoscopic vessel sealers. Bleeding problems were less robotically.

CONCLUSION

Despite similarities in post-operative morbidity and hospital stay, there was a superiority in quality of procedure performed with robotic versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for both small and large adrenal tumours.

Recommendation for laparoscopic ultrasound guided laparoscopic left lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy

Background

Left sided adrenalectomy may be associated with intraoperative bleeding and conversion or injury of the pancreatic tail leading to postoperative fistula. Another problem may be the identification of adrenal mass in the case of previous upper abdominal surgery. Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) enables the safe plane of dissection, identification of key structures and reduction of conversion and complication rate to the minimum.

Methods

Laparoscopic left lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy (LTA) was performed in 94 patients. LUS was performed in 50 patients with identification of adrenal mass, its vascularization and surrounding anatomical planes.

Results

Laparoscopic left LTA with LUS was associated with significant shorter operating time, smaller rate of conversions and intraoperative bleeding in comparison to the group without intraoperative ultrasound.

Conclusions

Intraoperative ultrasound during laparoscopic left LTA is a very effective method of navigation and its use should be taken into consideration especially in cases when the visualization and possibility of safe dissection are reduced.

Large Adrenal Lesion Series in a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India: Diagnostic and Operative Challenges

Large adrenal tumors pose varied challenges to surgeons in terms of diagnosis, planning surgical approach, and also intra-operative difficulties in resection. The aim of this study is to discuss challenges in the management of large and difficult adrenal lesions. A retrospective analysis was done on data of all patients with large adrenal lesions/paragangliomas managed from 1 June 2016 to 30 August 2018. Forty-eight patients with adrenal lesions underwent treatment in 2 years duration. Pain in the abdomen was the most common presentation. Mean age was 34.4 years (range 2-60), female to male (23:25) and right to left side to bilateral tumor 30:16:2. Thirty-one (64.6%) patients had large adrenal masses (size > 6 cm). Surgical approaches included open transperitoneal adrenalectomy (n = 20) and laparoscopic transperitoneal (n = 9 and 2 others had conversion to open procedure). Challenges faced are described in the table below: [Table: see text] There were no major peri-operative morbidities, but two patients died in perioperative period. Large adrenal tumors pose a challenge in surgical planning, approach, and resection and need careful planning and multidisciplinary team approach to have the best outcomes.

Umbilical closure using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate in transumbilical laparoscopic adrenalectomy: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate postoperative pain and esthetic outcomes in patients undergoing transumbilical laparoscopic adrenalectomy with wound closure using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.

METHODS

A total of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the transumbilical approach and agreed to participate in this study were included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate group (Glue group) or the non-use group (non-Glue group). A single surgeon (AM) carried out all procedures between 2014 and 2017.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the clinical background of the Glue and non-Glue groups. The number of patients with moderate or high levels of pain in the resting/moving period on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3 was 6/10 (46%/77%), 6/9 (46%/69%) and 3/5 (23%/38%) in the non-Glue group, and 5/7 (38%/54%), 2/7 (15%/54%) and 1/3 (8%/23%) in the Glue group. These differences were not significant. In the subgroup analysis of patients aged <50 years, the numbers were 4/6 (57%/86%), 5/7 (71%/100%) and 3/5 (43%/71%) in the non-Glue group, and 3/4 (33%/44%), 1/4 (11%/44%) and 0/1 (0%/11%) in the Glue group in the resting/moving period. On postoperative days 2 and 3, these differences were significant (P = 0.035 and 0.037 in the resting period, and P = 0.017 and 0.013 in the moving period).

CONCLUSIONS

2-octyl cyanoacrylate can be used safely for laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the transumbilical approach, and might be useful for reducing postoperative pain in patients aged <50 years.

Open adrenalectomy: A 20-year review of our experience in a developing country

Introduction

The aim of this study was to present our 20-year experience regarding open adrenalectomy (OA) during laparoscopic era in a developing country Turkey.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective and descriptive study of patients with adrenal mass undergoing OA in the surgery department of our hospital, between January 1993 and January 2013, was carried out. All operations were performed by two surgeons.

Results

Ninety patients who underwent OA in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. The mean number of adrenal operations per month during this period was 0.38 ± 0.12. The patient included 35 men (38.8%) and 55 women (61.2%), with a mean age of 46.4 ± 17 years. The mean body mass index was 28.4 ± 5.25, and the mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.6 ± 0.57. The mean operative time was 88 ± 27 min. The mean maximum diameter of all the lesions was 4.8 ± 1.3 cm (range: 1.2-21 cm). The mean blood loss was 118 ± 23 ml during the operations. Postoperative complications were observed in four patients (5.5%). There was no mortality. The length of hospital stay was 6.2 ± 2.1 days. The most frequent type of the histological type was benign adenoma (48.8%).

Conclusion

OA in a developing country is a safe method as an alternative for laparoscopic adrenalectomy which has a difficult learning curve.

Lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: advantages and drawbacks

Lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (LRA) is performed mostly by urologists. It is gaining popularity among general surgeons because of the direct access to the adrenal gland. However, the management of large tumors remains controversial. We report our experience and discuss the advantages and the drawbacks of this approach. Between December 2011 and April 2015, 89 consecutive patients underwent LRA for adrenal tumors. Conversion to open surgery, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, intra-operative complications, early and late postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed. The entire group was divided into patients with large tumors (> 5 cm) and patients with small tumors (≤ 5 cm), which were further compared. The conversion rate was 1.1%. The mean operative time was 107.4 ± 27.95 min, the mean blood loss 33.15 ± 25.45 ml. The mean hospital stay was 4.7 ± 2.05 days. Most of the complications were minor. There was zero mortality. Concerning the size of the tumor, we found statistically significant difference in operative time (p = 0.001), hospital stay (p = 0.020), incidence of early postoperative complications (p = 0.049), and conversion rate to open surgery (p = 0.037). LRA is a feasible, effective and safe procedure that offers additional advantages over the standard transabdominal approach because of its direct access to the adrenal gland. However, malignancy, large tumor size, bilateral pathology, and concomitant intra-abdominal pathology may represent a potential setback for this approach.

Predictive factors and radiological findings of adrenohepatic adhesion during laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to identify predictive factors and imaging features of adrenohepatic adhesion found during laparoscopic right adrenalectomy.

Materials and Methods

Altogether, 77 patients underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy between January 2005 and December 2018. Adrenohepatic adhesion was defined as strict adhesion that required either partial adrenalectomy with coagulation of residual tissue or partial hepatectomy to accomplish complete resection. We assessed their surgical video records to determine if adrenohepatic adhesion was present. Age, sex, body mass index, tumor size, tumor diagnosis and radiological findings (attachment between the liver and the adrenal gland, diameters of the right and left adrenal veins and its ratio) were evaluated as preoperative variables.

Results

Adrenohepatic adhesion was present in 11 of the 77 patients (14.3%). Age, sex, and body mass index were not statistically significant factors. Tumor size was significantly small in adhesion group (14.2 mm vs. 25.9 mm, p=0.02). Attachment to the liver and adrenal gland was frequently seen regardless of the adhesion. The mean right/left adrenal veins diameters ratio was significantly lower in the adhesion group (0.8 vs. 1.1, p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the right/left adrenal veins diameters ratio was the only significant predictor of adhesion. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 0.82, 0.76, 0.43, and 0.95 respectively when the optimal cutoff value for the ratio was 0.9 (area under the curve, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.90).

Conclusions

The right/left adrenal veins diameters ratio was possible predictor of adrenohepatic adhesion.

Robotic adrenalectomy: when and how?

Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered as the preferred technique to manage adrenal tumors. However, there are no prospective randomized studies evaluating this strategy. With the recent advances in surgical equipment and the widespread of robotic technology, a robotic approach is considered as an interesting option in some medical centers. This approach seems to be feasible and safe but high-level evidence of its benefits is still lacking. This review summarizes indications, advantages and drawbacks of robotic adrenalectomy and describes its surgical technique.

Comparison of Technical Details and Short-term Outcomes of Single-incision Versus Multiport Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

To date, the single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) technique has been applied to a wide range of general surgical procedures; however, there are still scant data and debates on adrenal procedures. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of single-incision versus laparoscopic multiport adrenalectomy. The patients were divided into 2 study groups on the basis of the surgical approach: SILS (group 1) and multiport laparoscopic surgery (group 2). Patient demographics and their perioperative and postoperative results were evaluated retrospectively from the medical records. A total of 80 patients were included in the study. There were 44 patients in group 1 and 36 patients in group 2. The average operative time, estimated blood loss, and tumor size were similar between the study groups. There were no mortalities in both groups and the mean duration of hospital stay was 3 days for both groups. Without using any single-incision access trocars and articulated instrumentation, we achieved the same surgical outcomes in our SILS adrenalectomy series compared with conventional multiport laparoscopy series in terms of postoperative short-term outcomes and cost-effectivity.

Surgical therapy of adrenal tumors: guidelines from the German Association of Endocrine Surgeons (CAEK)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous guidelines addressing surgery of adrenal tumors required actualization in adaption of developments in the area. The present guideline aims to provide practical and qualified recommendations on an evidence-based level reviewing the prevalent literature for the surgical therapy of adrenal tumors referring to patients of all age groups in operative medicine who require adrenal surgery. It primarily addresses general and visceral surgeons but offers information for all medical doctors related to conservative, ambulatory or inpatient care, rehabilitation, and general practice as well as pediatrics. It extends to interested patients to improve the knowledge and participation in the decision-making process regarding indications and methods of management of adrenal tumors. Furthermore, it provides effective medical options for the surgical treatment of adrenal lesions and balances positive and negative effects. Specific clinical questions addressed refer to indication, diagnostic procedures, effective therapeutic alternatives to surgery, type and extent of surgery, and postoperative management and follow-up regime.

METHODS

A PubMed research using specific key words identified literature to be considered and was evaluated for evidence previous to a formal Delphi decision process that finalized consented recommendations in a multidisciplinary setting.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 general and 52 specific recommendations regarding surgery for adrenal tumors were generated and complementary comments provided.

CONCLUSION

Effective and balanced medical options for the surgical treatment of adrenal tumors are provided on evidence-base. Specific clinical questions regarding indication, diagnostic procedures, alternatives to and type as well as extent of surgery for adrenal tumors including postoperative management are addressed.

Robotic treatment of giant adrenal myelolipoma: A case report and review of the literature

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour with benign biological behaviour that is mainly composed of mature adipose and myeloid tissue. Both sexes are equally affected, most commonly between the fifth and seventh decades of life. The diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma is mostly incidental. Although it may occasionally be associated with necrosis, rupture and haemorrhage, causing abdominal pain, this tumour is usually asymptomatic. Consequently, management is conservative, while surgical treatment is reserved for symptomatic cases, or for masses growing quickly or to a size >6 cm. Giant myelolipomas (sized >10 cm) are rare. Open radical adrenalectomy is the standard treatment for giant myelolipomas, while the minimally invasive approach has been used in only few cases. We herein report the case of a patient with a giant adrenal myelolipoma who underwent robotic partial adrenalectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest giant adrenal myelolipoma treated with robotic surgery reported in the literature to date. A 55-year-old male patient underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan during follow-up after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer Gleason Score 6 (ISUP 1) due to biochemical recurrence. The examination revealed a right hypodense adrenal mass, sized 16×13 cm. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of characteristics suggestive of a myelolipoma. The patient did not report any symptoms. Due to the benign characteristics of the mass, robotic partial adrenalectomy and enucleation of the mass were performed. The operative time and estimated blood loss were 205 min and 100 ml, respectively. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. The patient was mobilized on the first postoperative day and the time to flatus was 36 h; the length of hospitalization was 4 days. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma, sized 18×11.5×6 cm. No tumour recurrence occurred over a follow-up period of 12 months. In conclusion, robotic surgery allows performing partial adrenalectomy with a lower risk of bleeding and with preservation of healthy adrenal tissue, which is of paramount importance for the patient as it reduces recovery time and the need for medical substitution therapy.

Clinical Usefulness of a Self-Retaining Internal Organ Retractor for Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Adrenalectomy

INTRODUCTION

Although laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESS-A) is feasible, it is still considered as a challenging procedure because of technical limitations. Making an optimal retraction is one of major obstacles in LESS-A, and it sometimes requires additional ports or needlescopic devices. Internal organ retractor (IOR) is a novel retraction device that is applied intracorporeally without additional port. In this study, we investigated the clinical usefulness of IOR in LESS-A.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 73 consecutive patients who underwent LESS-A from March 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. Twenty-two patients underwent LESS-A with IOR and 51 patients without IOR.

RESULTS

Mean age, body mass index, tumor size, operation time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were not significantly different between two groups. In IOR group, median number of applied IOR was 2.0 (1.0-3.0) per single operation. Mean time for application and removal was 80.0 and 46.5 seconds for a single IOR, respectively. There were no complications related to the IOR. In without IOR group, there were nine cases that needed needlescopic trocars, six cases that needed 5 mm or larger trocars, and one case that was converted to hand-assisted laparoscopy. However, we did not use any needlescopic instrument or additional trocar in IOR group. There was no case of open conversion in both groups.

CONCLUSION

LESS-A could be done effectively and safely using IOR. IOR system maintained optimal retraction throughout the operation. Its application and removal are intuitive and take only a few minutes. We think IOR system is an attractive retraction method in LESS-A.

[Preferable surgery for benign tumors of the adrenal glands]

AIM

To determine optimal surgical approach in patients with adrenal tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overall experience of treatment of patients with adrenal tumors comprises over 300 procedures including 152 minimally invasive surgeries.

RESULTS

We have presented the advantages and relative disadvantages of various technologies which are useful to be considered to determine the most optimal surgery in these patients.

CONCLUSION

There are no serious contradictions to use existing surgical methods in patients with adrenal tumors. Minimally invasive procedures along with conventional (open) interventions significantly enlarged rational choice in surgery for adrenal neoplasms and optimized personified approach.

Laparoscopic versus robotic adrenalectomy: a review of the national inpatient sample

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the standard treatment of adrenal lesions. Recently, robotic-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) has become an option, however, short-term outcomes for RA have not been well studied and benefits over LA are debatable. The aim of this study was to explore differences in short-term outcomes between LA and RA using the national inpatient sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

Patient data were collected from the NIS. All patients undergoing LA or RA from January 2009 to December 2012 were included. Univariate analysis and propensity matching were performed to look for differences between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1006 patients (66.4% in LA group and 33.6% in RA group) were identified. Patient age group, gender, race, risk of mortality, severity of illness or indication for adrenalectomy did not differ significantly between the LA or RA cohorts. Insurance type predicted procedure type (45% of medicare patients underwent RA versus 29% of patients with private insurance, p < 0.0001). Patients living in the highest income areas were more likely to receive the laparoscopic approach (31.7 versus 17.4%, p < 0.0001). Hospital volume, bed size and teaching status of the hospital were not significant factors in the decision of RA versus LA. There was no difference in complication and conversion rates between RA versus LA. The mean length of stay was shorter in the RA group (2.2 versus 1.9 days, p = 0.03). Total charges were higher in the RA group ($42,659 versus $33,748, p < 0.0001). There was a significant trend towards more adrenalectomies being performed robotic assisted by year. Only 22% of adrenalectomies were performed robotic-assisted in 2009 compared with 48% in 2012.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall benefit for RA remains small and higher total charges for RA may currently outweigh the benefits. These findings may change as more cases are performed robotically assisted and robotic technology improves.

ENDOCRINOLOGY IN PREGNANCY: Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy: case series and review of literature

Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy is extremely rare. Early recognition is crucial as antepartum diagnosis can largely decrease maternal and fetal mortality rates. As symptoms of pheochromocytoma are rather similar to those of other far more common causes of hypertension during pregnancy, timely diagnosis is a challenge. In pregnant patients, similar to non-pregnant patients, increased plasma and/or 24-h urine (nor)metanephrine concentrations most reliably confirm the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. MRI and ultrasound are the only imaging modalities that can be used safely during pregnancy to localize the tumor. During pregnancy, pretreatment consists of alpha blockade as usual. However, dosing of α-adrenergic receptor blockers during pregnancy is a challenge as hypertension must be treated while preserving adequate uteroplacental circulation. When the diagnosis is made within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is generally recommended to remove the tumor in the second trimester, while resection is generally postponed till after delivery when the diagnosis is made in the third trimester and medical pretreatment is sufficient. Both during and after pregnancy, laparoscopic surgery is the preferred approach for resection of the tumor. There is no consensus in literature about the preferred route and timing of delivery. Therefore, in our opinion, decisions should be made on an individual basis by an experienced and dedicated multidisciplinary team. Over the last decades, maternal and fetal prognosis has improved considerably. Further increasing awareness of this rare diagnosis and treatment of these patients by a dedicated team in a tertiary referral hospital are critical factors for optimal maternal and fetal outcome.

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: tips and tricks

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy has recently increased in popularity and currently adopted in about 20% of referral centers. It may provide more direct access to the adrenals, thus avoiding post-operative adhesions and the need for patient repositioning in bilateral adrenalectomy. Although it has been suggested to be feasible for large tumors, large tumor size is indicated as the main limitation of PRA, mainly because of the small space available for dissection.

Bilateral adrenalectomy: a review of 10 years' experience

INTRODUCTION The 2012 British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons audit report showed that only 86 of 1359 patients who underwent adrenalectomy had a bilateral operation; thus the experience with this procedure remains limited. METHODS Retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy in a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS Between November 2005 and January 2016, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 23 patients (6 male, 17 female, age 43 ± 4 years) diagnosed with Cushing's disease (n = 13), hereditary phaeochromocytomas (n = 6), adrenocortical cancer (n = 2), colorectal metastatic disease (n = 1) and adrenocortical adenomas (n = 1). A laparoscopic transperitoneal approach was used in 17 patients, with one conversion to open. Three patients had open adrenalectomies for adrenocortical cancer and for simultaneous phaeochromocytomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Three patients with Cushing's had a bilateral retroperitoneoscopic operation. The mean operating time was 195 ± 16 minutes for laparoscopic operations (n = 16), 243 ± 44 minutes for open adrenalectomies (n = 4) and 151 ± 12 minutes for retroperitoneal operations. It was significantly shorter for Cushing's disease than for phaeochromocytomas (162 ± 8 vs. 257 ± 39 minutes, P < 0.01). Median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) included one chest infection (level 2), one postoperative haemorrhage and two chest drains for pneumothorax (level 3), two postoperative cardiac arrests (level 4) and one late cancer death from complications related to uncontrolled hypercortisolism (level 5). DISCUSSION Synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy remains an infrequent operation. The laparoscopic approach is feasible in the majority of patients. It is likely that the retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy will become the standard approach for bilateral operations.

Perioperative hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

Perioperative hemodynamic instability still remains the biggest surgical and anesthetic challenge in surgery for pheochromocytoma. The aim of this review was to discuss pre-, intra- and postoperative factors that may impact on hemodynamic condition of a patient. It describes patients' preparation with appropriate medication, principles of surgical technique as well as risk factors for development of hemodynamic instability in postoperative period. Currently the gold standard in the treatment of pheochromocytoma is preoperative use of alpha-blockers and laparoscopic surgery. This approach allowed improving outcomes by lowering both mortality and morbidity.

Long-term Results after CT-Guided Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation for the Treatment of Hyperfunctioning Adrenal Disorders

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of computed tomography-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation for benign primary and secondary hyperfunctioning adrenal disorders.

METHOD:

We retrospectively evaluated the long-term results of nine patients treated with computed tomography-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation: eight subjects who presented with primary adrenal disorders, such as pheochromocytoma, primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and aldosterone-producing adenoma, and one subject with Cushing disease refractory to conventional treatment. Eleven sessions were performed for the nine patients. The patient data were reviewed for the clinical outcome and procedure-related complications over ten years.

RESULTS:

Patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma had clinical improvement: symptoms recurred in one case 96 months after ethanol ablation, and the other patient was still in remission 110 months later. All patients with pheochromocytoma had clinical improvement but were eventually submitted to surgery for complete remission. No significant clinical improvement was seen in patients with hypercortisolism due to primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia or Cushing disease. Major complications were seen in five of the eleven procedures and included cardiovascular instability and myocardial infarction. Minor complications attributed to sedation were seen in two patients.

CONCLUSION:

Computed tomography-guided ethanol ablation does not appear to be suitable for the long-term treatment of hyperfunctioning adrenal disorders and is not without risks.

Adrenocortical carcinoma surgery-surgical extent and approach

PURPOSE

Adequate tumour resection is the gold standard of care for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, the optimal surgical strategy remains debatable. In our opinion, the extent of surgery (adequate tumour resection) is the primary concern, rather than the surgical approach (laparoscopic or open). We propose that both surgical approaches have a role in the management of ACC provided the extent of resection is selected based on patient and tumour characteristics and accurate pre-operative investigations.

METHODS

A review of 25 curative intent resections for ACC between 2002 and 2013 was done. Group A (16 patients-64 %) included all patients who underwent planned radical adrenalectomy without any other resection and group B (9 patients-36 %) included all patients who underwent a planned extensive resection based on pre-operative investigations.

RESULTS

Of 471 adrenalectomies, 25 were performed for ACC with curative intent. Tumours were significantly larger in group B with mean size of 119.6 versus 62.4 mm in group A (p = 0.002). Tumours in group B also had higher WEISS scores (mean score 7 vs 5.2, p = 0.033) and almost always required multi-organ resection. The recurrence rate was 37.5 % (n = 6) for group A and 44.4 % for group B (n = 4), p = 1.00. Poor prognosis was associated with significantly higher WEISS scores (p = 0.016) and a trend towards more advanced ENSAT disease stage (p = 0.06). Estimated overall survival was 74.17 months (group A 67.3 vs group B 70.1, p = 0.244).

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate pre-operative staging is critical to select a tailored surgical strategy. Multi-organ resection remains the preferred approach for large and potentially invasive ACC. Some patients presenting with smaller ACC may benefit from a more extensive resection.

Comparison of radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign aldosterone-producing adenoma

PURPOSE

To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in treating aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) of the adrenal gland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 2009 to September 2013, seven patients, diagnosed with unilateral adrenal APA and underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA, were recruited in this retrospective study. Eighteen unilateral adrenal APA with the same tumor size (<25 mm) who underwent LA during the same interval were enrolled as control group. Treatment success was defined as complete tumor ablation on follow-up CT scan and normalization of serum aldosterone-to-renin ratio. We also compared "normalization ability" between RFA group and LA group. Normalization ability was defined as reduction in blood pressure, decrease in number of antihypertensive medicine use, reduction in serum aldosterone, and increase in serum potassium level.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant demographic difference in both groups. The mean tumor size was 18 (8-25) mm in RFA and 19 (11-25) mm in LA groups, respectively. There was only one intra-procedure hypertensive crisis in the RFA group. No other complications needed further management in both groups. During an interval of 3-6 months of follow-up, the treatment success rate reached 100 % in the RFA group versus 94.4 % in the LA group. Normalization ability was statistically equivalent in the RFA and the LA group. Comparing with LA group, RFA group demonstrated with less post-operative pain (visual analog scale, 2.0 ± 1.16 vs. 4.22 ± 1.44, p < 0.001) and shorter operative time (105 ± 34 vs. 194 ± 58 min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided percutaneous RFA is effective, safe and is a justifiable alternative for patients who are reluctant or unfit for laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of APA.