LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL ADRENALECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH HEREDITARY FORMS OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Association between pheochromocytoma and neurofibromatosis type I: a rare entity in the African population

The association of pheochromocytoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type I has rarely been reported in low-income countries, especially on the African continent. A 43-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type I was diagnosed with a right adrenal pheochromocytoma in Pretoria, South Africa. To our knowledge, this report is the first case to be published of a patient with neurofibromatosis type I diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma in Pretoria, and one of three cases on the African continent. The rarity may be due to the two associated conditions being under-reported, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or possibly the association is rare on the African continent. The clinician dealing with these two conditions should be aware of the association.

Management of Adrenal Masses

An adrenal mass can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic in the form of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) in up to 8 % in autopsy and 4 % in imaging series. Once a diagnosis of adrenal mass is made, we need to differentiate whether it is functioning or nonfunctioning, benign, or malignant. In this article, we provide a literature review of the diagnostic workup including biochemical evaluation and imaging characteristics of the different pathologies. We also discuss the surgical strategies with laparoscopy as the mainstay with partial adrenalectomy in select cases and adrenalectomy in large masses. Follow-up protocol of AIs and adrenocortical carcinoma is also discussed.

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments: technical considerations and surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

We previously reported our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-port device and conventional straight laparoscopic instruments.

METHODS

Between December 2010 and February 2012, LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomies were performed in 11 patients. Six patients had aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) and five patients had nonfunctioning tumors. A single-port access was created with an Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) through an incision of 2-3 cm beneath the tip of the 12th rib. All procedures were performed with straight laparoscopic instruments.

RESULTS

All LESS procedures were successfully completed without conversion to traditional laparoscopic conversion. The tumors ranged from 1 cm to 4.7 cm (mean, 2.3 cm). The operative time was 71-257 minutes (mean, 121 minutes). Most patients (n = 8) had minimal blood loss; the other three patients had a blood loss of 150 mL, 100 mL, and 100 mL. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-6 days). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. Pathological examinations revealed negative surgical margins in all specimens. All patients with Conn's syndrome had an improvement in blood pressure and normalization of plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels; all patients were free of potassium supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Our results clearly demonstrate that LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments.

[Function-preserving adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors]

Organ preserving resection (subtotal adrenalectomy) or adrenocortical autotransplantation can preserve adrenocortical stress capacity in bilateral adrenal surgery. After adrenocortical autotransplantation approximately 30% of patients do not need exogenous steroids. Organ preserving surgery avoids steroid supplementation in more than 80% of cases. After organ preserving resections in secondary or familial diseases, however, there is a relevant risk of recurrent disease: the rate of ipsilateral recurrence in familial pheochromocytoma is approximately 20% during a follow-up of 20 years. Routine administration of exogenous steroids should be avoided after subtotal adrenalectomy as functional restitution of the residual tissue might be disturbed. Approximately 80% of patients, however, present with impaired adrenocortical stress capacity directly after surgery. Within a few weeks some 80% of patients show a sufficient functional restitution of the adrenocortical stress capacity. Organ preserving adrenal surgery should be performed endoscopically. The adrenal remnant should not be devascularized; the adrenal vein, however, can be divided without functional consequences. About one third of a normal adrenal gland usually provides sufficient adrenocortical function.

Partial adrenalectomy minimizes the need for long-term hormone replacement in pediatric patients with pheochromocytoma and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

PURPOSE

Children with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) are at an increased risk for developing bilateral pheochromocytomas. In an effort to illustrate the advantage of partial adrenalectomy (PA) over total adrenalectomy in children with VHL, we report the largest single series on PA for pediatric patients with VHL, demonstrating a balance between tumor removal and preservation of adrenocortical function.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2011, a prospectively maintained database was reviewed to evaluate 10 pediatric patients with hereditary pheochromocytoma for PA. Surgery was performed if there was clinical evidence of pheochromocytoma and if normal adrenocortical tissue was evident on preoperative imaging and/or intraoperative ultrasonography. Perioperative data were collected, and patients were observed for postoperative steroid use and tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Ten pediatric patients with a diagnosis of VHL underwent 18 successful partial adrenalectomies (4 open, 14 laparoscopic). The median tumor size removed was 2.6 cm (range, 1.2-6.5 cm). Over a median follow-up of 7.2 years (range, 2.6-15.8 years), additional tumors in the ipsilateral adrenal gland were found in 2 patients. One patient underwent completion adrenalectomy, and 1 underwent a salvage PA with resection of the ipsilateral lesion. One patient required short-term steroid replacement therapy. At last follow-up, 7 patients had no radiographic or laboratory evidence of pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSION

At our institution, PA is the preferred form of management for pheochromocytoma in the (VHL) pediatric population. This surgical approach allows for removal of tumor while preserving adrenocortical function and minimizing the adverse effects of long-term steroid replacement on puberty and quality of life.

Pheochromocytoma - update on disease management

Pheochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumors that can present insidiously and remain undiagnosed until death or onset of clear manifestations of catecholamine excess. They are often referred to as one of the 'great mimics' in medicine. These tumors can no longer be regarded as a uniform disease entity, but rather as a highly heterogeneous group of chromaffin cell neoplasms with different ages of onset, secretory profiles, locations, and potential for malignancy according to underlying genetic mutations. These aspects all have to be considered when the tumor is encountered, thereby enabling optimal management for the patient. Referral to a center of specialized expertise for the disease should be considered wherever possible. This is not only important for surgical management of patients, but also for post-surgical follow up and screening of disease in patients with a hereditary predisposition to the tumor. While preoperative management has changed little over the last 20 years, surgical procedures have evolved so that laparoscopic resection is the standard of care and partial adrenalectomy should be considered in all patients with a hereditary condition. Follow-up testing is essential and should be recommended and ensured on a yearly basis. Managing such patients must now also take into account possible underlying mutations and the appropriate selection of genes for testing according to disease presentation. Patients and family members with identified mutations then require an individualized approach to management. This includes consideration of distinct patterns of biochemical test results during screening and the appropriate choice of imaging studies for tumor localization according to the mutation and associated differences in predisposition to adrenal, extra-adrenal and metastatic disease.

Malignant pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: a diagnostic challenge

INTRODUCTION

Malignant pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare disorders arising from the adrenal gland, from the glomera along parasympathetic nerves or from paraganglia along the sympathetic trunk. According to the WHO classification, malignancy of PCCs and PGLs is defined by the presence of metastases at non-chromaffin sites distant from that of the primary tumor and not by local invasion. The overall prognosis of metastasized PCCs/PGLs is poor. Surgery offers currently the only change of cure. Preferably, the discrimination between malignant and benign PCCs/PGLs should be made preoperatively.

METHODS

This review summarizes our current knowledge on how benign and malignant tumors can be distinguished.

CONCLUSION

Due to the rarity of malignant PCCs/PGLs and the obvious difficulties in distinguishing benign and malignant PCCs/PGLs, any patient with a PCC/PGL should be treated in a specialized center where a multidisciplinary setting with specialized teams consisting of radiologists, endocrinologist, oncologists, pathologists and surgeons is available. This would also facilitate future studies to address the existing diagnostic and/or therapeutic obstacles.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy: initial experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility of performing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (RALPA) in patients seen at the National Cancer Institute and report the results of our initial experience.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients with adrenal masses who underwent attempted RALPA from July of 2008 until January of 2010. Demographic, perioperative, and pathologic data were collected. The functional and early oncological outcomes were examined by the need for steroid replacement and development of recurrent disease, respectively.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent a total of 13 attempted RALPAs for removal of 19 adrenal tumors. There was one open conversion with successful completion of partial adrenalectomy. Of the patients, 80% had a known hereditary syndrome predisposing them to adrenal tumors. One patient had bilateral multifocal adrenal masses with unknown germ line genetic alteration and 1 patient had a sporadic adrenal mass. Of the 19 tumors removed, 17 were pheochromocytoma and 2 were adrenal-cortical hyperplasia. Two patients underwent partial adrenalectomy on a solitary adrenal gland, with one subsequently requiring steroid replacement postoperatively. On postoperative imaging, all but one operated adrenal gland demonstrated contrast enhancement. No patient developed local recurrence at a median follow-up of 16.2 months (range, 2-29).

CONCLUSIONS

RALPA appears safe and feasible in our early experience. Only 1 patient in our series required steroid replacement. Local recurrence rates are low but will require longer follow-up.

Functional and oncologic outcomes of partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma in patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome after at least 5 years of followup

PURPOSE

Although the safety and feasibility of partial adrenalectomy in patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome have been established, long-term outcomes have not been examined. In this study we evaluate the recurrence and functional outcomes in a von Hippel-Lindau syndrome cohort treated for pheochromocytoma with partial adrenalectomy with a followup of at least 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome treated with partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma at the National Cancer Institute. Demographic, germline mutation status, surgical indication, oncologic and functional outcome data were collected. Local recurrence was defined as radiographic evidence of recurrent tumor on the ipsilateral side of partial adrenalectomy. Patients were considered steroid dependent if they required steroids at most recent followup.

RESULTS

A total of 36 partial adrenalectomies for pheochromocytoma were performed in 26 patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome between September 1995 and December 2003. Of these cases 23 were performed open and 13 were performed laparoscopically. Prior surgical history was obtained for all patients. At a median followup of 9.25 years (range 5 to 46) metastatic pheochromocytoma had not developed in any patients. In 3 patients (11%) there were 5 local recurrences treated with surgical extirpation or active surveillance. All recurrences were asymptomatic and detected by radiographic imaging on followup. In addition, 3 of 26 patients (11%) subsequently required partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma on the contralateral adrenal gland. In the entire cohort only 3 patients became steroid dependent (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of partial adrenalectomy in patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome with pheochromocytoma are encouraging at long-term followup and should be recommended as a primary surgical approach whenever possible. Adrenal sparing surgery can obviate the need for steroid replacement in the majority of patients. Local recurrence rates appear to be infrequent and can be managed successfully with subsequent observation or intervention.

Phaeochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas

BACKGROUND

About 24 per cent of phaeochromocytomas (PCCs) and sympathetic paragangliomas (sPGLs) appear in familial cancer syndromes, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1 and PCC-paraganglioma syndrome. Identification of these syndromes is of prime importance for patients and their relatives. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for both PCC and sPGL, but controversy exists about the management of patients with bilateral or multiple tumours.

METHODS

Relevant medical literature from PubMed, Ovid and Embase websites until 2009 was reviewed for articles on PCC, sPGL, hereditary syndromes and their treatment.

DISCUSSION

Genetic testing for these syndromes should become routine clinical practice for those with PCC or sPGL. Patients should be referred to a clinical geneticist. Patients and family members with proven mutations should be entered into a standardized screening protocol. The preferred treatment of PCC and PGL is surgical resection; to avoid the lifelong consequences of bilateral adrenalectomy, cortex-sparing adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice.

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy

The concept of organ- and function-preserving surgery without compromising the primary goal of complete tumour removal has been recently applied in adrenal surgery. This has been accomplished by open surgery in the past. With recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery, partial adrenalectomy by laparoscopic approach has become feasible. The indications, contraindications and worldwide experience have been reviewed for this article.

Adrenal-preserving minimally invasive surgery: update on the current status of laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy

Adrenalectomy is the standard of care for hormonally active adrenal masses. In recent years, minimally invasive laparoscopic excision has become a preferred management option. As with advances in parenchymal-sparing renal surgery, investigators have begun to examine adrenal-sparing procedures to preserve functional adrenal tissue. This article reviews the recent literature and reports on intermediate results with laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA).

[Single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst exsicion in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease]

INTRODUCTION

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a dominant autosomic hereditary condition, characterized by cerebellar hemangioblastomas, retinal animas and visceral cysts and tumors. We report a case of a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau in which we performed a single-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a pheochromocytoma and pancreatic cyst excision.

PATIENT AND METHOD

A 20 year old male patient with Von Hippel Lindau disease underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a 5 cm left adrenal mass. A 3 cm cystic lesion was found of the tail of the pancreas and was resected completely laparoscopically during the same operative procedure.

RESULTS

Total operative time was 120 minutes. There were no operative or postoperative complications. Blood loss was < 50 mL and hospital stay was 3 days. The histopathologic result was adrenal pheochromocytoma and pancreatic mucous microcystic cystoadenoma.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy allows surgical approach of patients with simultaneous lesions in several abdominal solid viscera, like Von Hippel Lindau disease. This case represents the first report of one-stage laparoscopic adrenalectomy and pancreatic cyst excision.

Management and treatment of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare neural crest-derived tumors of sympathetic (generally catecholamine producing) or parasympathetic (rarely catecholamine producing) origin. Patients affected by these tumors present with a variable clinical picture, often making diagnosis troublesome. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but requires appropriate medical management before, during, and after tumor resection. Appropriate follow-up of patients is particularly important to identify recurrences, remaining disease, or developing malignancy. Currently, however, no firm guidelines exist about what form follow-up should take. There is also a general lack of prospective studies establishing the best approaches for management and treatment of the tumor. Choice of the many available different therapeutic options instead usually depends on institutional experience and clinical setting, which may vary for different groups of patients. At the First International Symposium on Pheochromocytoma (ISP2005), held in Bethesda in October 2005, a panel of experts addressed and discussed the many therapeutic options and problems associated with management and treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma, reporting their personal experience and sharing their opinions with those of patient representatives. The aim of this special Discussion Session was to reconcile differences of opinion and reach agreement about appropriate management and therapeutic options. This article summarizes the discussion and the recommendations derived from that session.

Laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic treatment of pheochromocytomas and retroperitoneal paragangliomas: results of 161 tumors in 126 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic excisions of pheochromocytomas and retroperitoneal paragangliomas are challenging surgical procedures because of extensive intraoperative catecholamine release, extreme vascularization, and demanding localization.

MATERIALS

In a prospective clinical study 161 chromaffine neoplasias (134 pheochromocytomas, 27 paragangliomas) were removed endoscopically in 126 patients (67 males, 59 females, age 41.7 +/- 16.4 years; 130 operations). Six patients showed multiple (2-5) tumors. Tumor size ranged from 0.5 to 12 cm (mean 3.5 +/- 1.9 cm). Forty-two patients suffered from hereditary diseases. Twenty-four patients had bilateral adrenal diseases; in 14 patients pheochromocytomas were removed on both sides synchroneously. Ten neoplasias were local or loco-regional recurrences (7 pheochromocytomas, 3 paragangliomas). The laparoscopic route was chosen in 16 operations; the retroperitoneoscopic technique was performed in 128 others. Partial adrenalectomies were performed in 57 operations (in all but one of the patients with bilateral disease). High-dosage alpha-blockade with phenoxybenzamine was routinely used.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Conversion to open surgery occurred once. Perioperative complications were minor (17%); mortality was zero. Operating time for unilateral retroperitoneoscopically removed primary pheochromocytomas (n = 113) was 82 +/- 49 minutes (range: 20-300 minutes) and depended on tumor size (< 3 cm vs. > or = 3 cm; P < 0.05) and gender (P < 0.001), but not on extent of resection (partial vs. total, P = 0.266). Operating time for paragangliomas ranged from 55 to 600 minutes. Median blood loss was 20 ml. Median duration of postoperative hospitalization was 4 days. In 22 of 24 patients with bilateral disease, complete preservation of cortical function was achieved. Locoregional and/or distant metastatic recurrence were found in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic removal of solitary, bilateral, multiple, and recurrent pheochromocytomas and retroperitoneal paragangliomas is feasible and safe, but surgeons need extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, as well as in endocrine surgery.

Malignant adrenal tumors

Adrenal tumors, apart from neuroblastoma, are relatively rare in infancy and childhood. Most adrenal lesions are benign, and both benign and malignant tumors may be hormonally active thus, making accurate preoperative diagnosis difficult. The two main malignant tumors are adrenocortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. In both tumors, it may be difficult to determine benign from malignant and the biologic behavior and degree of invasion may portend a more malignant course. Surgical excision is the primary therapy for both tumors, including excision of metastatic and recurrent tumor. An open procedure should be considered for invasive adrenocortical carcinoma and in pheochromocytomas in which preoperative imaging demonstrates metastatic nodal disease. A laparoscopic approach is preferred for lesions in which preoperative imaging demonstrates a localized lesion. Chemotherapy, although without proven efficacy, is utilized in some children with metastatic or unresectable disease.

Adrenalectomía laparoscópica

Laparoscopic extirpation of the suprarenal gland is considered the 'gold standard' of surgery for benign conditions, but its indication in suprarenal cancer is still controversial. In this article, we review the pros and cons of the laparoscopic approach in the different disorders that affect the adrenal gland, pheochromocytoma, cancer, partial and bilateral adrenalectomy, etc.

Laparoscopic Bilateral Partial Adrenalectomy for Adrenocortical Adenomas Causing Cushing's Syndrome: Report of a Case

Laparoscopic total adrenalectomy has become a standard technique for small adrenal tumors; however, bilateral adrenalectomy results in postoperative adrenal insufficiency, necessitating lifelong steroid replacement. To preserve adrenocortical function in a 41-year-old woman with bilateral adrenocortical adenoma (BAA) causing Cushing's syndrome, we performed laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy. We based our preoperative diagnosis of bilateral adrenocortical tumors causing Cushing's syndrome on the results of endocrinological investigations and imaging findings. Thus, we performed lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy, preserving the adrenal glands, which were normal. Pathological examination of both tumors confirmed the diagnosis of adrenocortical adenoma. The patient had no postoperative complications, and her adrenocortical function was normal without steroid replacement at her 10-month follow-up. This report shows that Cushing's syndrome resulting from bilateral adenomas can be effectively treated by laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy as a minimally invasive, adrenocortical-preserving operation.

Phaeochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours with a highly variable clinical presentation but most commonly presenting with episodes of headaches, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. The serious and potentially lethal cardiovascular complications of these tumours are due to the potent effects of secreted catecholamines. Biochemical testing for phaeochromocytoma is indicated not only in symptomatic patients, but also in patients with adrenal incidentalomas or identified genetic predispositions (eg, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase genes). Imaging techniques such as CT or MRI and functional ligands such as (123)I-MIBG are used to localise biochemically proven tumours. After the use of appropriate preoperative treatment to block the effects of secreted catecholamines, laparoscopic tumour removal is the preferred procedure. If removal of phaeochromocytoma is timely, prognosis is excellent. However, prognosis is poor in patients with metastases, which especially occur in patients with large, extra-adrenal tumours.

Partial adrenalectomy: The National Cancer Institute experience

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience of partial adrenalectomy and demonstrate whether adrenal function can be preserved in patients with hereditary adrenal pheochromocytoma. Total adrenalectomy has largely been used in the treatment of patients with hereditary adrenal pheochromocytomas. Adrenal cortical-sparing surgery is an alternative approach that aims to balance tumor removal with preservation of adrenocortical function.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2004, 33 patients with hereditary pheochromocytoma presented with adrenal masses. Partial adrenalectomy (open or laparoscopic) was performed if normal adrenocortical tissue was evident on preoperative imaging or intraoperative ultrasonography. Various operative parameters, as well as postoperative function of the residual adrenal remnants, were determined.

RESULTS

Of the 33 patients, 8 underwent open partial adrenalectomy and 25 laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy during a 10-year period. Ten patients underwent simultaneous, bilateral partial adrenalectomy and 8 underwent surgery on a solitary adrenal gland, 4 of whom received postoperative steroid replacement (stopped in 3 after 1 to 3 months). All other patients had normal catecholamine levels and remained tumor free by imaging at a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 3 to 102).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial adrenalectomy can preserve adrenal function in patients with adrenal masses. The laparoscopic approach is technically safe and associated with less morbidity without compromising tumor removal. With careful surgical planning, especially in patients with tumors in solitary glands, adrenocortical function may be preserved, thereby avoiding the morbidity associated with medical adrenal replacement.

Laparoscopic Adrenal Surgery for Recurrent Tumours in Patients with Hereditary Phaeochromocytoma

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with Laparoscopic Partial Adrenalectomy (LPA) for recurrent tumours in patients with hereditary phaeochromocytoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five patients with hereditary phaeochromocytoma (4 with von Hippel-Lindau disease and 1 with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2B), who had undergone adrenal surgery previously, presented with recurrent adrenal tumours. One patient was pregnant at 20 weeks of gestation. All patients underwent hormonal evaluation, genetic screening and imaging with CT or MRI, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Of the 7 attempted LPA in five patients, five procedures (71%) were successfully completed and total adrenalectomy was needed on two occasions. The adrenal vein could be spared in all patients except one. There were no intra-operative complications. The adrenal function was adequate in all patients without need for steroid supplementation except one patient who lost both adrenals eventually. There was no correlation between the preservation of adrenal vein and adrenocortical function.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy is feasible, safe and effective in recurrent phaeochromocytoma, despite previous adrenal surgery and is technically easier if the previous approach had been laparoscopic as well. Patients with hereditary phaeochromocytoma are prone for recurrent tumours and may need repeated surgical procedures. Hence, minimally invasive approach is ideal for these patients.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy--experience of 10 years]

INTRODUCTION

The laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland was first reported in 1992. Since then, many publications about this issue have come from Europe, Japan and North America. We reviewed our 10-year experience with laparoscopic adrenal surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was carried out in 113 patients, 77 females and 36 males, between January 1994 and January 2004. The age ranged from 1 to 76 years (43.1 +/- 16.2 years). Ten (8.8%) patients were 20 years old or younger, 19 (16.8%) patients had unilateral tumor larger than 4 cm, 25 (22.1%) patients had Body Mass Index > or = 30 kg/m2, and 13 (11.5%) had had previous open upper abdominal surgery. The size of the lesion ranged from 1 to 9 cm (3.3 +/- 1.6 cm). One hundred and sixteen operations were performed, of which 109 were unilateral and 7 were bilateral, adding up to a total of 123 adrenalectomies. Among the 116 procedures, the lateral transperitoneal approach was employed in 113 cases, whereas lateral retroperitoneal approach enabled 3 adrenalectomies.

RESULTS

Unilateral procedures lasted 107 +/- 33.7 min (45-250 min); bilateral procedures lasted 180 +/- 90.6 min (100-345 min); 5 (4.3%) cases were converted to open surgery. Twenty (17.7%) patients suffered complications, being 8 (7.0%) intraoperative and 12 (10.6%) postoperative complications. Six (5.3%) cases were considered major complications. No deaths occurred due to the surgical procedures. Blood transfusion rate was 3.5%. Hospital stay was 5.7 +/- 15.0 days (1-140 days). Follow-up period was 23 +/- 12.8 months (1-60 months) and all these patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible and has excellent results in selected patients.

Wiederholungseingriffe an den Nebennieren

Repeat adrenalectomy may be required due to ipsilateral recurrence of benign or malignant adrenal tumors after previous total or subtotal adrenalectomy. Even for multivisceral resection in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma, complete resection of local recurrent tumor offers results similar to those of primary resection (5-year survival 40-60%). In contrast, since no benefit on long-term survival has been shown so far by tumor debulking, palliative tumor resection should only be performed individually for control of severe endocrine symptoms. The effect of endoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with large tumors (>5 cm) or suspected malignancy has still not been well examined. Further studies are required. In any case, during open or endoscopic approach, tumor spillage must be avoided to prevent local tumor cell implantation. Following subtotal adrenalectomy, the risk of ipsilateral recurrence correlates with disease, follow-up, localization, size of the adrenal remnant, and, in case of familial pheochromocytoma, probably with genotype.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard technique for the surgical removal of the adrenal gland for functional adrenal tumors including aldosteronoma, glucocorticoid, and androgen/estrogen-producing adenomas. Many laparoscopic surgeons also think that for small to moderately sized pheochromocytomas, the laparoscopic approach is as safe and effective as the open technique. Several physiologic considerations specific to pheochromocytoma must be addressed before and during surgery regardless of the operative approach. The advantages of laparoscopic adrenalectomy over open adrenalectomy remain the same for pheochromocytomas as for other pathologic conditions of the adrenal gland. These include a shorter length of stay, a decrease in postoperative pain, a shorter time to return to preoperative activity level, and improved cosmesis.

New Approaches to the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Adrenal Lesions

The advancement of laparoscopic adrenalectomy over the past decade has completely changed the surgical approach to adrenal tumors. As the incidence of incidentally discovered adrenal tumors increases, most patients with resectable lesions can undergo resection laparoscopically with minimal morbidity, shorter hospitalization, and low mortality. The spectrum of surgical approaches now available make it possible to provide an appropriate resection that is matched to the specific characteristics of each tumor. Experienced surgeons now resect some malignant tumors laparoscopically, with the option to convert to a hand-assisted or traditional open approach.

Feocromocitoma

Apresentamos a experiência do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, com o diagnóstico clínico, laboratorial e topográfico e com o tratamento do feocromocitoma. Embora novos testes bioquímicos, como as determinações de metanefrinas plasmáticas, tenham maior sensibilidade no diagnóstico desse tumor, testes mais disponíveis, como as determinações de metanefrinas urinárias e catecolaminas plasmáticas e urinárias ainda demonstram grande valor no diagnóstico. Eventuais falso-negativos e falso-positivos podem ser identificados com os testes de estímulo e depressão e com a exclusão do uso de droga. A ressonância magnética é o método mais sensível na identificação topográfica do tumor. O tratamento do tumor, exceto quando houver contraindicações, é sempre cirúgico e deve ser precedido pelo tratamento clínico. A identificação desse tumor é de fundamental importância no sentido de se prevenir a ocorrência de eventos com alta morbidade e mortalidade, bem como na identificação de outras síndromes neoplásicas que podem estar associadas a ele.

Laparoscopic Partial Adrenalectomy for Recurrent Pheochromocytoma in a Boy with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

We describe a case of a boy with Von Hippel-Lindau disease who presented with recurrent right adrenal pheochromocytoma 4.5 years after laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy. The boy had a second laparoscopic adrenal-sparing removal of the tumor. By this technique, not only the recurrent tumor was successfully removed but also the unaffected adrenal cortex could be preserved for the second time. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of its type.

Extent of adrenalectomy for adrenal neoplasm: cortical sparing (subtotal) versus total adrenalectomy

The standard operation on adrenal neoplasias is a complete adrenalectomy. Accepted exceptions are bilateral inherited pheochromocytomas. In these cases, clinical and biochemical cure, as well as preservation of cortical function, can be achieved by a noncomplete adrenalectomy. In that procedure, at least one third of one gland has to be preserved. In unilateral adrenal tumors, partial resection has been used, especially in Conns adenomas, with early results comparable to those of total adrenalectomy. Because longterm results are still limited in hyperaldosteronism, final conclusions are not possible today.

Diseases of the adrenal gland

It is fortunate that the ability to diagnose the specific adrenal entities that mandate a surgical approach is extremely accurate. The combination of analytic methodology to measure the appropriate adrenocortical and medullary hormonal production and the radiologic techniques for localization are superb. The management of these adrenal disorders usually using a laparoscopic approach following localization is highly successful, resulting in a reversal of both metabolic abnormalities and the hypertension that often accompanies these diseases. Indeed, this is a true success story with the evolution of these different techniques over the past 50 years.

Laparoscopic Management of Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic management of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma presents a unique surgical challenge due to variable anatomical presentation and potential catecholamine surge during operative manipulation. We report our experience with laparoscopic removal of extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1999 and 2002, 5 patients presented with retroperitoneal extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. Of the patients 2 had a history of von Hippel-Lindau disease, and the remaining 3 patients were diagnosed with sporadic extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma during hypertension evaluation. Although 4 patients had a history of hypertension, only 2 reported symptoms (episodic flushing, headaches, blurred vision) associated with excess catecholamine production. All patients had markedly increased preoperative urinary and plasma normetanephrine and/or norepinephrine levels, and 3 had positive I131 metaiodobenzylguanidine scan. In each case tumor was accurately identified on computerized tomography before surgery.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic resection of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma was successful in 4 patients. Open conversion was required in 1 patient, who also had von Hippel-Lindau related bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas due to significant adhesion of the extra-adrenal tumor to the aorta and renal hilum, and a concern for possible local invasion. Mean laparoscopic operative time and blood loss were 273 minutes (range 240 to 350) and 119 cc (range 75 to 200), respectively. Three 10 mm ports in a standard triangular fashion were used for the left side tumors, in which the tumors were found lateral to the aorta. For the right side tumors located either in the inter-aortacaval or para-caval region, a fourth port (10 mm) was inserted for liver retraction as needed. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to localize the tumor and to assess the retroperitoneum for possible metastasis (none detected) in 3 cases. None of the patients had a hypertensive crisis intraoperatively, and all had unremarkable postoperative recovery with an average hospital stay of 3.8 days (range 3 to 4). Plasma and/or urinary norepinephrine and normetanephrine levels returned to normal range postoperatively in all cases. One patient was noted to have left lower extremity lymphedema and gluteal hematoma due to a positional injury related to prolonged pressure from the operating table and was treated conservatively. There has been no tumor recurrence at a median followup of 14 months (range 9 to 36).

CONCLUSIONS

With careful surgical planning and appropriate preoperative pharmacological blockade, laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed in patients with extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas with minimal morbidity. Laparoscopic ultrasound may be helpful in precise localization and evaluation of tumor extension.

The Genetic Basis of Cancer of the Kidney

PURPOSE

The types of epithelial renal tumors are clear cell, types I and II papillary, chromophobe and oncocytoma. We identified the genetic basis of these different types of kidney cancer to provide better methods for early diagnosis of this disease as well as provide the foundation for the development of molecular therapeutic approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify the genetic basis of kidney cancer we studied families with an inherited predisposition to kidney cancer. Families in which 2 or more individuals had kidney cancer underwent a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether they were affected with a hereditary form of renal carcinoma. Genetic linkage analysis was performed to identify the gene for inherited forms of renal carcinoma.

RESULTS

The gene for the inherited form of clear cell renal carcinoma associated with von Hippel-Lindau gene was identified. This gene has been found to be a tumor suppressor gene. A new form of inherited renal carcinoma, hereditary papillary renal carcinoma, was identified. The gene for this condition was identified and found to be the proto-oncogene c-Met. A previously unidentified form of familial renal oncocytoma was found. A familial form of chromophobe renal carcinoma and oncocytoma associated with Birt Hogg Dubé syndrome was found. The gene for this condition was localized on the short arm of chromosome 17 and it has been identified. We studied families with cutaneous leiomyomas, uterine leiomyomas and papillary renal carcinoma. We identified mutations in the fumarate hydratase gene in patients affected with this disorder, namely hereditary leiomyoma renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney cancer used to be considered a single disease. It is now known that there are a number of different types of cancers of the kidney with different histological patterns and different clinical courses that appear to respond differently to therapy. These different types of kidney cancer are caused by different genes, ie they each have a distinct genetic basis. Understanding the molecular pathways of these cancer genes should provide insight into their varying clinical courses and responses to treatment as well as provide the foundation for the development of disease specific molecular therapeutic strategies.

Adrenal-preserving laparoscopic surgery in selected patients with bilateral adrenal tumors

BACKGROUND

There have been few reports of laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery for bilateral adrenal tumors. We review our experience with this type of surgery with the aim of evaluating its feasibility and safety.

METHODS

Over a 4-year period, we treated 9 patients with bilateral benign adrenal tumors. Seven patients had bilateral pheochromocytomas (MEN 2: 5, VHL: 1, sporadic: 1), and 2 patients had Cushing's syndrome caused by bilateral adrenocortical adenomas. Laparoscopic procedures were performed by a flank approach. The mean diameter of the tumors was 3.7 cm (range, 2.0-8.5 cm).

RESULTS

All the tumors were removed laparoscopically. Four patients with hereditary pheochromocytomas underwent bilateral total adrenalectomy because of the large tumor size and multiplicity. The other 5 patients were treated successfully with preservation of adrenocortical function. In 4 of these 5 patients, the adrenal tumors were 3 cm or less in diameter. None of the patients experienced surgical complications. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 4-40 months), none of the 5 patients who were treated by adrenal-sparing surgery required corticosteroid replacement.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery is feasible for the treatment of bilateral adrenal tumors. Adrenal-preserving laparoscopic surgery may be practicable for the removal of these tumors, if the tumor on either side is 3 cm or less in diameter; however, our follow up is short (mean, 16 months).

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND

From November 1993 to May 2002 a total of 172 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were attempted in 152 patients in centers throughout the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

The median age was 52 years (18-77 years). Sixty-three percent were female. Indications for resection were Conn's syndrome (60), pheochromocytoma (35), Cushing's disease (24), Cushing's adenoma (8), cortisol-secreting carcinoma (1), other secreting tumor (2), nonfunctioning adenoma (17), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (4), metastatic disease (7), nonsecreting adrenal carcinoma (2), others (12). Median size of the lesions was 3.0 cm (0.5-20 cm). Median operating time was 65 min (30-170 min). Conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 10 patients (7%). Minor morbidity occurred in nine patients (5%). Major morbidity occurred in two patients (pancreatitis, peritonitis). Median hospital stay was 3 days (1-16 days). At median follow-up of 36 months (1-105 months) five patients (4%) had persistent hypertension. No patient had evidence of recurrent hormonal excess.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic removal of the adrenal gland should be considered the surgical procedure of choice in experienced minimally invasive centers.

Laparoscopic Reconstructive Urology

PURPOSE

Although laparoscopy has emerged as a feasible and effective alternative for a majority of open ablative abdominopelvic urological procedures, minimally invasive reconstruction has come to the forefront only recently. We present the current state of the art of laparoscopic reconstructive urology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an extensive MEDLINE search of purely laparoscopic surgery from 1976 through 2002. Based on the results, we divide clinical reconstructive laparoscopic procedures into 2 broad categories-established and evolving. Each category is further classified according to the organ involved-adrenal and kidney, ureter (evolving only), bladder and prostate, and miscellaneous. Clinical procedures were considered established if our literature review revealed any report of more than 100 patients, or reports from at least 5 different centers greater than 20 patients each. If these criteria were not met, the procedure was considered clinically evolving.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic reconstructive procedures such as pyeloplasty, radical prostatectomy and orchiopexy have achieved clinically established status. Laparoscopic bladder neck suspension, although reported in a significant number of cases, remains controversial because of its contradictory reported long-term success rates. Multiple additional laparoscopic reconstructive procedures have been performed in fewer numbers clinically with promising results.

CONCLUSIONS

Until recently, urological laparoscopic surgery primarily focused on ablative procedures, with success. Building on this initial experience, advanced and sophisticated reconstructive procedures of considerable technical complexity are increasingly being performed purely laparoscopically. It is anticipated that in the future laparoscopic surgery could increasingly evolve into a preferred approach for advanced and sophisticated urological reconstruction.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy--indications and technique

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the procedure of choice for the surgical management of most adrenal tumors, including functional and non-functional lesions. The role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the management of malignant adrenal tumors is controversial and most adrenocortical cancers are generally treated by open adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed by both the anterior or lateral trans-abdominal approach and by the lateral or posterior retro-peritoneal approach, with each method being suitable for specific indications. Although there are no randomized trials comparing laparoscopic with open adrenalectomy, the laparoscopic approach is associated with shorter hospital stay, reduced pain and improved cosmesis. This review discusses the indications and contraindications, technique and outcomes for laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: a literature review

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard treatment for benign adrenal tumors, providing minimal invasiveness and early recovery. In the case of pheochromocytomas, special attention should be paid perioperatively to prevent excessive hypertension or hypotension. The protocol should include sufficient preoperative medication with alpha 1 blockers, early ligation of the adrenal vein, and minimal handling of the tumor itself. A literature review of 227 laparoscopic adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas revealed that the perioperative data, including the operative time, blood loss, and hemodynamic status, were similar or slightly better in the laparoscopic procedures as compared to the open procedures, although the convalescence period was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic surgery. The majority of surgeons prefer the transperitoneal approach for pheochromocytomas, although some authors use the retroperitoneal approach successfully. A comparison of the perioperative data from laparoscopic surgeries for pheochromocytomas versus those for other adrenal tumors showed that the former had slightly higher demands to complete the procedure safely. In the treatment of familial pheochromocytoma due to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or von Hippel-Lindau disease, a cortical-sparing adrenalectomy can be safely performed laparoscopically. In conclusion, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the standard for small pheochromocytomas, with a high success rate when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons.

Adrenal-preserving minimally invasive surgery: the role of laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy, cryosurgery, and radiofrequency ablation of the adrenal gland

Adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for the management of hormonally active adrenal masses. Various surgical therapies have been proposed to excise completely or destroy these adrenal lesions, which may be benign or malignant. New minimally invasive, adrenal-sparing procedures have recently been introduced, among them laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy, cryosurgery, and radiofrequency ablation. These procedures focus on reducing patient morbidity and hastening postoperative recovery while preserving normal adrenal tissue. However, questions remain about the risks and benefits associated with routine application of minimally invasive therapies for adrenal-sparing surgery in terms of complete tumor extirpation. Clearly, more experience and longer follow-up is necessary to validate these procedures. Herein we describe the surgical techniques and early results of treatment with adrenal-sparing surgery.

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy in patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas: indications, technique, and results

OBJECTIVES

To report the indications, technique, and results in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism due to aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma treated by laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy. Laparoscopy has become the technique of choice in adrenal surgery, but adrenalectomy is the standard procedure. Only a few studies have reported on partial adrenalectomy, and the indications and technique have not yet been clearly defined.

METHODS

From June 1995 to December 2001, 13 patients presented with hyperaldosteronism and a single adrenal adenoma (Conn's syndrome) and were treated with laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy. The mean age was 60 years, and the average tumor size was 2.1 cm in diameter. A transperitoneal approach was used in all patients, tumors were resected with safety margins by endoshears, and hemostasis was achieved by bipolar coagulation and finally by sealing with fibrin glue.

RESULTS

All procedures were finished laparoscopically, and no conversion was necessary. No major intraoperative or postoperative complication was observed. The histologic examination showed adenomas with negative surgical margins in all cases. Postoperative computed tomography revealed a normal blood supply for the remaining adrenal tissue. Blood pressure and aldosterone levels were unremarkable at follow-up, and no local recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for aldosterone-producing adenomas is a minimally invasive procedure with a low complication rate. It provides the benefit of retaining functional tissue on the side of the affected adrenal gland. Therefore, we recommend laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for patients with small, potentially benign, tumors of the adrenal gland, even with a healthy contralateral adrenal gland.

Laparoscopic bilateral partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

INTRODUCTION

To describe the technique of transperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral synchronous partial adrenalectomy in a patient with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

An 81-year-old woman with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma underwent bilateral laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy. A three-port transperitoneal approach was used for each side, with an additional port for liver retraction during right partial adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic flexible ultrasonography was invaluable for localizing the adrenal tumor and for precise planning of the line of excision. The right main adrenal vein was preserved. Dissection and enucleation of the adrenal tumor and parenchymal hemostasis was achieved effectively using a harmonic scalpel. The total operative time was 2 and 2.5 hours for the left and right adrenal gland, respectively. No major intraoperative hemodynamic instability was noted. The total blood loss was 150 mL, and the hospital stay was 4 days. Pathologic examination confirmed bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is safe and technically feasible. Intraoperative ultrasonography is helpful to accurately plan resection of the tumor. If tumor location permits, the main adrenal vein should be preserved to ensure adequate vascularity for the adrenal remnant.