Patient Satisfaction is Equivalent for Inpatient and Outpatient Minimally-Invasive Adrenalectomy

A natural language processing-informed adrenal gland incidentaloma clinic improves guideline-based care

INTRODUCTION

Adrenal gland incidentalomas (AGIs) are found in up to 5% of cross-sectional images. However, rates of guideline-based workup for AGIs are notoriously low. We sought to determine if a natural language processing (NLP)-informed AGI clinic could improve the rates of indicated biochemical evaluation and adrenal-specific imaging.

METHODS

An NLP algorithm was created to detect clinically significant adrenal nodules from radiology reports of cross-sectional images at an academic institution. The NLP algorithm was applied to scans occurring between June 2020 and July 2021 to form a baseline cohort. The NLP algorithm was re-applied to scans from August 2021 to February 2023 and identified patients were invited to join an outpatient clinic dedicated to AGIs. Patients evaluated in the clinic from March 2022 to February 2023 were included in the intervention cohort. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square, t-test, and a multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The baseline and intervention cohorts included 1784 and 322 unique patients, respectively. Patients in the intervention cohort were more likely to be female (59% vs. 51%, p = 0.01), be younger (60 ± 13.1 vs. 64 ± 13.2 years, p < 0.001), have smaller nodules (1.7 cm, IQR 1.4-2.1 vs. 1.8 cm, IQR 1.4-2.5 cm, p = 0.017), have had biochemical workup (99% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and have had adrenal-specific imaging (40% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, intervention cohort patients were significantly more likely to have had biochemical workup (odds ratio ,OR 1209, confidence interval ,CI 434-5117, p < 0.001) and adrenal-specific imaging (OR 8.89, CI 6.42-12.4, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of an NLP-informed AGI clinic was associated with a seven-fold increase in biochemical workup and a three-fold increase in adrenal-specific imaging in participating patients.

Adrenal fast-track and enhanced recovery in retroperitoneoscopic surgery for primary aldosteronism improving patient outcome and efficiency

PURPOSE

No data exist on perioperative strategies for enhancing recovery after posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA). Our objective was to determine whether a multimodality adrenal fast-track and enhanced recovery (AFTER) protocol for PRA can reduce recovery time, improve patient satisfaction and maintain safety.

METHODS

Thirty primary aldosteronism patients were included. Fifteen patients were treated with 'standard-of-care' PRA and compared with 15 in the AFTER protocol. The AFTER protocol contains: a preoperative information video, postoperative oral analgesics, early postoperative mobilisation and enteral feeding, and blood pressure monitoring at home. The primary outcome was recovery time. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, postoperative pain and analgesics requirements, patient satisfaction, perioperative complications and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

Recovery time was much shorter in both groups than anticipated and was not significantly different (median 28 days). Postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in AFTER patients (mean 32 vs 42 h, CI 95%, p = 0.004). No significant differences were seen in pain, but less analgesics were used in the AFTER group. Satisfaction improved amongst AFTER patients for time of admission and postoperative visit to the outpatient clinic. There were no significant differences in complication rates or QoL.

CONCLUSION

Despite no difference in recovery time between the two groups, probably due to small sample size, the AFTER protocol led to shorter hospital stays and less analgesic use after surgery, whilst maintaining and even enhancing patient satisfaction for several aspects of perioperative care. Complication rates and QoL are comparable to standard-of-care.

Patient satisfaction analysis of robot-assisted minimally invasive adrenalectomy: a single-center retrospective study

The objective of this study is to compare the satisfaction of patients undergoing robot-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopy adrenalectomy under the ambulatory mode and conventional mode. Basic information and clinical data of patients who underwent robotic-assisted posterior laparoscopic adrenalectomy between June 2020 and June 2023 were queried from our case system. The Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (OAS CAHPS®) was used to investigate patient satisfaction with preoperative preparation, discharge counseling, postoperative instructions, postoperative pain, and satisfaction with nursing work. The stats R package was used to select the appropriate statistic for the statistics based on the characteristics of the data. A total of 311 patients who underwent robot-assisted posterior laparoscopic adrenalectomy were enrolled in our case system. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, ASA classification, laterality, maximum tumor diameter, type of resection, hormonal activity, disease type, pathological classification, duration of surgery, estimated intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications and follow-up period that were compared between the two groups of patients. There were no significant differences in preoperative preparation score, discharge counseling score, postoperative guidance score and nursing care satisfaction score (P > 0.05). Postoperative hospitalization, peristalsis time, defecation time, time to first postoperative mobilization, duration of indwelling drain and hospitalization costs in patients in the ambulatory model group were significantly less than patients in the conventional model group (P < 0.001). Patients in the ambulatory model group had significantly higher postoperative pain relief scores than patients in the conventional model group. In conclusion, our data suggest that patient satisfaction is equal between the conventional and ambulatory mode of performing robotic-assisted adrenalectomy. Patient satisfaction was probably associated with shorter hospitalization days, adequate preoperative preparation and standardized, high-quality post-discharge information and guidance.

Same day discharge after minimally invasive adrenalectomy: a national study

BACKGROUND

Same day discharge (SDD) may be considered in some patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy (MIA). Recent studies have demonstrated similar outcomes between SDD and admitted patients; however, most excluded pheochromocytoma and adrenal metastases. This study evaluates 30-day complications and hospital readmission in a large cohort of patients undergoing MIA.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing MIA (2010-2020) for benign adrenal disorders, pheochromocytoma, and adrenal metastases were identified within the ACS-NSQIP database. Comparisons between patients having SDD versus admission were performed. Factors associated with 30-day complications and unplanned readmission were evaluated by multivariable regression modeling.

RESULTS

Of 7316 patients who underwent MIA, 254 had SDD. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, although SDD patients had lower ASA class (p < 0.001) and were more likely to undergo MIA for nonfunctioning adenoma or primary aldosteronism (p = 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, higher ASA class and presence of medical comorbidities were associated with increased complications (p < 0.001; p < 0.05) and unplanned readmission (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). Additionally, prolonged operative time was associated with 30-day complications (p < 0.001). Notably, SDD was not associated with increased complications (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.38-1.61, p = 0.502) or unplanned readmission (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.35-1.64, p = 0.490). The rate of SDD for MIA increased from 1.48% in 2017 to 10.81% in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all patients undergoing MIA should have SDD; however, the current analysis demonstrates a trend toward SDD and supports its safety in select patients with adrenal metastases and benign adrenal disorders including pheochromocytoma.

Defining the feasibility of same day adrenalectomy - A prospective matched cohort study

Background

Despite technical advances, day surgery still accounts for <1 % of adrenal procedures. We investigated feasibility and safety of same day adrenalectomy (SDA).

Methods

Between We recruited 30 patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) or Cushing's syndrome (CS) into a prospective matched, single centre cohort study to evaluate the impact of exposure to a same day discharge pathway (SDA cohort; n = 10) or inpatient adrenalectomy (PIPA cohort; n = 20). We compared results to a matched cohort (n = 40) from our prospective in-patient adrenalectomy registry (RIPA cohort).

Results

Mean age was 51.3 ± 8.5 years, with 43 % female, 3.3 % ASA I and 96.7 % ASA II. Lesion size was 17 ± 9 mm (range 5-40 mm). 80 % of patients presented with PHA. The predefined primary endpoint (discharge on same calendar day without major complications, emergency presentation or readmission) was achieved in 100 % of SDA, but none of the in-patients (χ² = 57; p < 0.0001). The secondary endpoint (discharge within 23 h of surgery without major complications, emergency presentation or readmission) was achieved in 100 % of SDA, 90 % of PIPA (n.s.), 33 % of RIPA (33 %; χ2 = 14.6 p < 0.001), and 51.5 % of IPA patients (χ2 = 8.5 p < 0.01). Combining SDA and PIPA cohorts, 93.3 % of treatment episodes met widely used (WHO, United States) definitions of day surgery as completion of the hospital care episode within 23 h. Patients admitted for SDA were highly satisfied (100 %).

Conclusion

Same day discharge after adrenalectomy is feasible, safe, and well-perceived in appropriately selected patients with PHA and Cushing's syndrome.

Association Between Surgical Indication and Outcomes for Outpatient Adrenalectomy

INTRODUCTION

Despite a favorable risk-benefit profile, inpatient admission postoperatively for minimally invasive adrenalectomy (MIA) has remained common. Prior studies have shown that outpatient MIA was not associated with an increased 30-day complications or readmission. However, this has not been explored in-depth by adrenalectomy indication. We aimed to examine whether the safety profile of outpatient MIA varies by adrenal indication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinicopathologic parameters were examined for all MIAs entered into an adrenal database at our institution from 2012 to 2021. Predictor variables included patient demographics, surgical indication, and operative time. Outcomes were 30-day emergency department visit, readmission, and complication rates between surgical indications, comparing outpatient and inpatient groups. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-squared tests, as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 185 MIA patients were included. Outpatient MIA was performed in 53 patients (28.6%). Outpatient discharge post-MIA was related to both surgical indication and operative time. Pheochromocytoma (PC) patients were less likely to be discharged as an outpatient postoperatively when compared to all other indications (13.0% versus 33.8%, P = 0.007). Among all patients with operations 2-3 h in length, PC patients were less likely to be discharged home as an outpatient (10% versus 33.3%, P = 0.040). No significant differences were identified between outpatient and inpatient MIA groups for complications, emergency department visits, or readmission (P > 0.05 for all). Only six outpatient MIA patients had any complication (11.3%) and six were readmitted (11.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient MIA was demonstrated to be associated with similar, low complication and readmission rates compared to inpatient MIA, although it was used less often for patients with PC or prolonged operative times. Our study highlights potential evidence that outpatient MIA can be safely used in selected patients across all indications for adrenal surgery.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Surgery in the Management of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery is considered a standard treatment for benign adrenal tumors; however, no consensus has been reached on the optimal resection technique for adrenocortical carcinomas. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery in the management of adrenocortical carcinoma.

METHODS

The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles from inception to May 2022, by two independent reviewers using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022316050).

RESULTS

From 183 studies screened, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 1617 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma undergoing either laparoscopic surgery (n = 472) or open surgery (n = 1145). Open surgery demonstrated a lower rate of positive resection margin compared with laparoscopic surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-2.10; I² = 0%). Additionally, open surgery had more favorable overall survival (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44-0.72; I² = 0%) and recurrence-free rates (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.85; I² = 38%) than laparoscopic surgery at 3 years. Hospital stay was shorter for laparoscopic surgery than open surgery (mean difference - 2.49 days, 95% CI - 2.95 to - 2.04; I² = 45%).

CONCLUSIONS

Open surgery should still be considered the standard operative approach; however, laparoscopic surgery could be regarded as an effective and safe operation for selected adrenocortical carcinoma cases with appropriate laparoscopic expertise. Further randomized controlled studies with tumor stage- and resection margin-dependent survival analysis are necessary to ascertain the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Histopathological Examination and Endoscopic Sinusectomy: Is It Possible?

Introduction

Although carcinomatous degeneration is a rare occurrence, some authors support the need for a histopathological examination after pilonidal cyst excision. Today, minimally invasive techniques are widely spread for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease but opposed to standard procedures, these techniques could not allow to perform a histopathological examination because of the absence of a specimen. The aim of this two-institutions study is to evaluate whether histopathological examination of the pilonidal sinus excision material can be successfully performed after an endoscopic ablation of the cyst.

Materials and Methods

We identified all consecutive patients from January 2021 to September 2021 with diagnosis of pilonidal sinus disease who underwent Video Assisted Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus (VAAPS) followed by histopathological examination.

Results

A total of 45 patients were included in the study. All patients were Caucasians and aged below 50 years. Nine of them underwent surgery due to recurrence of PSD. No evidence of malignancy was detected in the histopathological examination of the pilonidal sinus sampling material.

Discussion

We were able to send pilonidal sinus sampling material for a histopathological examination in all patients who underwent minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. No evidence of malignancy was found in any of the 45 samples. Our findings prove that minimally invasive ablation of pilonidal sinus does not preclude histopathological examination of the cysts.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (RLPA) for 20-40 mm nonfunctional adrenal tumors in the day surgery mode

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the outcome and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy in the treatment of nonfunctional unilateral adrenal tumors in the day surgery mode.

METHODS

Nineteen patients bearing nonfunctional unilateral 20-40 mm adrenal tumors were prospectively enrolled and underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy in the day surgery unit of our hospital between June 2021 and March 2022. All patients were diagnosed with non-functional adrenal tumors as outpatients before being admitted to the day surgery unit with their consent. Patient demographics and perioperative data were prospectively documented. The patients were followed up by telephone on day 1, 3 and 7 after discharge and followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

The patient's age was 50.5 ± 11.9 yr (range from 19.0 - 69.0). Seven patients were female. Twelve patients underwent surgery on the left side. The maximal diameter of tumor was 28.3 ± 5.7 mm (20.0 - 40.0 mm). Operation time was 72.1 ± 14.9 min (58.0 - 120.0 min). Mean blood loss was 64.7 ± 50.4 ml (30.0 - 200.0 ml). The gastrointestinal function recovery time was 9.7 ± 2.6 h (6.0 - 16.0 h). Retroperitoneal drainage was removed 24.8 ± 13.3 h (range 18.0 - 72.0) after surgery. Four patients were transferred to the general ward for postoperative management, while others were discharged within 24 hours after surgery. Length of hospital stay was 48.8 ± 13.1 h (38.0 - 85.0h). Hospitalization expense was 24168.4 ± 2910.3 RMB¥ (20844.3 - 34369.8 RMB¥). Postoperative pathology revealed 17 cortical adenoma, 1 pheochromocytoma and 1 lymphatic duct tumor.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for nonfunctional unilateral adrenal tumors in the day surgery mode is safe when strict selection criteria and perioperative management protocol are followed, which has the potential to shorten length of hospital stay and reduce lower hospitalization costs.