Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: morbidity compared with adrenalectomy for tumors of other pathology

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.

Thirty day postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functional adrenal tumors

BACKGROUND

Functional adrenal tumors (FATs) are rare and if left untreated, there is a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality due to uncontrolled excess hormone secretion. The three most common FATs are cortisone-producing tumors (hypercortisolism), aldosterone-producing tumors (hyperaldosteronism), and catecholamines-producing tumors (pheochromocytomas). The study aims to evaluate demographic characteristics and 30-day outcomes after laparoscopic adrenalectomy of FATs.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for FATs were selected from the ACS-NSQIP database (2015-2017), and divided into three groups (hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, and pheochromocytoma). Preoperative demographics, medical comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative outcomes among the three groups were analyzed using the chi-squared test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the effects independent variables on the likelihood of increased overall morbidity.

RESULTS

Of a total of 2410 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy, 345 (14.3%) patients with FATs were included. Patients in the hypercortisolism group were younger, had higher proportion of females, had higher BMI, had a higher proportion of White ethnicity and had a higher proportion of diabetes. The hyperaldosteronism group had a higher proportion of Black ethnicity and a higher proportion of hypertension (HTN) requiring medication. Thirty day postoperative outcomes showed that the pheochromocytoma group had a higher rate of serious morbidity, overall morbidity, and highest readmission rates. There were three deaths, 1 in the pheochromocytoma and 2 in the hypercortisolism groups. Operative time (in minutes) was longer in the hypercortisolism group. Median length of stay was higher in hypercortisolism (2 days) and pheochromocytoma (1.5 day) groups.

CONCLUSION

Functional adrenal tumors show distinct variations in patient demographics and postoperative outcomes. It is essential to use this information during the preoperative period to optimize patients prior to intervention and counsel patients about potential postoperative outcomes.

Is transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma really more challenging? A propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive surgery is the gold standard treatment for adrenal masses, but it may be a challenging procedure in the case of pheochromocytoma (PHEO). The aim of the present study is to report the results of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) in cases of PHEO in comparison to other types of adrenal lesions.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2021, 629 patients underwent adrenalectomy. Twenty-two and thirty-five patients, respectively, were excluded because they underwent bilateral and open adrenalectomy, leaving 572 patients for inclusion. Of these, 114 patients had PHEO (Group A), and 458 had other types of lesions (Group B). To adjust for potential baseline confounders, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

After PSM, 114 matched pairs of patients were identified from each group. Statistically significant differences were not observed when comparing the median operative time (85 and 90 min in Groups A and B, respectively, p = 0.627), conversion rate [6 (5.3%) in each group, p = 1.000], transfusion rate [4 (3.5%) and 3 (2.6%) in Groups A and B, respectively, p = 1.000], complication rate [7 (6.1%) and 9 (7.9%) in Groups A and B, respectively, p = 0.796), median postoperative hospital stay (3.9 and 3.6 days in Groups A and B, respectively, p = 0.110), and mortality rate [1 (0.9%) in each group, p = 1.000].

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this analysis, the results of TLA for PHEO are equivalent to those of TLA for other types of adrenal lesions, but the fundamental requirements are multidisciplinary patient management and adequate surgeon experience. Further prospective studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Comparison of transperitoneal laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytoma: A retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the main treatment strategy for pheochromocytoma. Whether laparoscopic techniques are feasible for large pheochromocytoma treatments is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) compared with open adrenalectomy (OA).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 182 patients with radiographic tumor sizes ≥ 6 cm who underwent adrenalectomy at our center between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2017. After propensity score-matching to balance baseline variables, 82 patients treated with LA and 100 patients treated with OA were grouped into 64 pairs. Patient demographics, and extensive peri-operative and oncologic data were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

In the matched group, the incidence of intra-operative hemodynamic instability, transfusion rate, prolonged hypotension, and cardiovascular morbidity in the LA group were lower than the OA group (25.0% vs. 48.4%, 29.7% vs. 46.9%, 4.7% vs. 23.4%, and 14.1% vs. 37.5%, respectively). The estimated blood loss was less (100 ml vs. 300 ml) and bowel recovery was quicker (1.9 d vs. 2.3 d) in the LA group. The proportion of patients in whom blood pressure returned to normal (P = 0.184), had recurrences (P = 0.197), and survived (P = 0.763) were equivalent. The surgical approach (OA vs. LA) was an independent risk factor for IHD, prolonged hypotension, cardiovascular morbidity, and longer bowel recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

This propensity score-matched cohort study showed that LA was feasible, safe, and superior to OA for patients with large pheochromocytoma, meanwhile LA had comparable oncological outcomes compared with OA after a lengthy follow-up.

Nationwide review of hormonally active adrenal tumors highlights high morbidity in pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Adrenal adenomas are benign tumors often discovered incidentally, and >70% are hormonally inactive. The remaining subset may produce excess aldosterone, cortisol, or catecholamine. Perioperative outcomes after adrenalectomy for such "hormonally active" tumors remain unclear. This study examines in-hospital outcomes after unilateral adrenalectomy for hormonally active tumors.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006-2011) to identify patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy for hormonally active or inactive tumors. Malignant adrenal tumors were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were evaluated by univariate analysis, using two-tailed Chi-square and t-tests and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 27,312 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, 78% (n = 21,279) had hormonally inactive and 22% (n = 6033) had hormonally active adrenal tumors. Among the latter, 65% (n = 4000) had primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), 33% (n = 1996) had hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome), and 1.4% (n = 85) had pheochromocytoma. Patients with pheochromocytoma had higher rate of comorbidities including congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease, and malignant hypertension compared with remaining hormonally active tumors (12% versus 4%, 18% versus 11%, 6% versus 2%; P < 0.01). For patients with pheochromocytoma versus other hormonally active tumors, mean length of stay was 5 versus 3 d and total in-hospital cost was $50,000 versus $41,000 (P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, pheochromocytoma had an independently higher risk for intraoperative blood transfusion (4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-7.2), postoperative cardiac (7.6, 95% CI 2.8-20.2), and respiratory (1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.3) complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pheochromocytoma have high rates of preoperative comorbidities, postoperative cardiopulmonary complications, and longer and more costly hospitalizations. Such high-risk patients should undergo appropriate preoperative medical optimization in preparation for adrenalectomy.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Laparoscopic Adrenal Surgery

Objective. The aim of this article is to define the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Method. A total of 172 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group I, normal weight; group II, overweight; and group III, obesity. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results. The median operative time was 72, 75, and 90 minutes in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The median blood loss was <50 mL in all groups. There were no intraoperative blood transfusions. There was no statistical difference in the rate of intraoperative incidences and postoperative complications. Moderately increased operative time was the only perioperative parameter that statistically differed from nonobese patients. The regression analysis found significant but weak correlation between BMI and operative time. The BMI did not correlate with other surgical outcomes. Conclusions. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery for obese patients can be done as safely as for nonobese patients.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: A single center experience

AIMS:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in benign adrenal disorders.

METHODS AND MATERIAL:

Since July 2007, twenty patients have undergone laparoscopic adrenalectomy for various benign adrenal disorders at our institution. Every patient underwent contrast enhanced CT-abdomen. Serum corticosteroid levels were conducted in all, and urinary metanephrines, normetanephrines and VMA levels were performed in suspected pheochromocytoma. All the patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy via the transperitoneal approach.

RESULTS:

The patients were in the age range of 18-57 years, eleven males and nine females, seven right, eleven left, two bilateral. The mean operative time was 150 minutes (120-180), mean hospital stay four days (3-5), mean intraoperative blood loss 150 ml and mean post-operative analgesic need was for 36 (24-72) hours. One out of twenty-two laparoscopic operations had to be converted into open adrenalectomy due to intra-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe, effective and useful procedure without any major post-operative complication and is the gold standard for all benign adrenal disorders.

Experience in identifying the venous drainage of the adrenal gland during laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the procedure of choice for most adrenal tumors. An important part of LA is the early identification and ligation of the adrenal veins. The venous drainage from each adrenal gland is usually via a single vein: the right vein draining into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the left vein into the left renal vein. Although infrequent, variable venous drainage has been documented. The aim of the study was to clarify if LA identified venous drainage and its variants. Between January 1999 and January 2008, 142 consecutive patients underwent LA. Adrenal vein anatomy was documented on a prospective database. In total, 142 patients underwent 162 LA (right = 62, left = 66, bilateral = 17). All adrenal veins were identified at the time of laparoscopy. For 157 LA, the adrenal venous drainage was constant: right vein drained into the IVC and left vein drained into left renal vein. Five patients had adrenal vein variants: two right veins draining separately into IVC (n = 1), two right veins draining into the IVC and right renal vein (n = 1), and two left veins draining separately into the left renal vein (n = 3). Adrenal vein variants were present in patients with phaeochromocytomas (n = 4) or adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 1). The laparoscopic approach allowed an excellent view of the main adrenal venous anatomy. This has helped confirm the constant nature of the venous drainage and successfully identify variant adrenal veins.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become an accepted method for removing benign lesions of the adrenal gland. There are few contraindications to the laparoscopic approach, and the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal techniques yield excellent results. Virtually all benign lesions and select malignant lesions can be removed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been shown to be a safe and effective approach to many forms of adrenal pathologic conditions. It should be considered the standard of care in the management of benign lesions of the adrenal gland that require surgical removal.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy --- is it any different in phaeochromocytoma and non-phaeochromocytoma?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for phaeochromocytoma is a feasible, safe and effective treatment. The effects of associated catecholamine release render LA more challenging, although with comparable morbidity to LA for other diseases of the adrenal gland.

METHODS

Data from case records of 44 patients who underwent LAs between May 2002 and May 2006 were analysed retrospectively. The patients were divided into a phaeochromocytoma group (Group I) and a non-phaeochromocytoma group (Group II). The aim of this study was to assess the operative course and outcome of LA in the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean operating time and blood loss were slightly higher in LA for phaeochromocytomas compared to LA for other pathologies, but these differences were not statistically significant. The mean hospital stay was 3.84 days in both groups. The phaeochromocytoma group had a slightly higher complication rate of 21% compared to 12%. None of the procedures needed open conversion. A terminal hand assist was employed in two patients in Group I and one patient in Group II. Two patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma had single stage bilateral LA.

CONCLUSION

LA is feasible and effective in phaeochromocytoma. It is associated with a slightly longer operating time, more blood loss and complications when compared with non-phaeochromocytoma masses. LA can be done in a single operation for bilateral masses. Terminal hand assist is a viable and effective option for very large masses.

Retrospective comparison of retroperitoneoscopic versus open adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

PURPOSE

We compared the clinical outcomes of retroperitoneoscopic and open adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data on 56 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic lateral adrenalectomy were retrospectively compared with those on 50 who underwent open adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, including patient demographic data, perioperative indexes and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Demographic data on patients were similar in the 2 groups. In the retroperitoneoscopic group such perioperative indexes were significantly different from those of the open group (each p <0.05), including operative time (mean +/- SD 52 +/- 22 vs 120 +/- 42 minutes), estimated blood loss (74 +/- 34 vs 187 +/- 64 ml), resumption of oral intake (1 vs 2 days), postoperative hospital stay (5.2 +/- 1.7 vs 8.3 +/- 1.8 days), incidence of intraoperative hypertension (17.0% or 9 of 53 patients vs 36.0% or 18 of 50) and number of patients requiring blood transfusion(1.8% or 1 of 53 vs 16.0% or 8 of 50). The incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was much less in the retroperitoneoscopic group (20.8% or 11 of 53 patients vs 42.0% or 21 of 50, p <0.05). However, the duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and postoperative complications were similar in the 2 groups (p >0.05). Blood pressure returned to normal 3 months after the operation in 81% of the patients in the retroperitoneoscopic group and in 84% in the open group. During the followup of 5 to 36 months no tumor recurrence and/or metastasis developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with open surgery retroperitoneoscopic lateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is a safe, minimally invasive and effective procedure.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy - a review of initial 24 consecutive patients

AIM

To analyze patient demographics, pathology, surgical procedure and outcome in initial 24 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our department.

METHODS

Twenty four patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between September 2000 and August 2005. There were 12 males and 12 females with a mean age of 44.6 years (range 25-68 years). The indications for adrenalectomy were pheochromocytoma (13 patients), Cushing's syndrome (5 patients), myelolipoma (2 patients), adrenal cyst (2 patients), aldosteronoma (1 patient) and adrenal incidentaloma (1 patient). Nineteen of our patients with functioning adrenal tumours were prepared preoperatively for periods ranging up to 2 weeks by the endocrinologist. All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed via lateral transperitoneal approach using standard four-port technique. Patients with pheochromocytoma and Cushing's syndrome were monitored in the surgical intensive care unit during immediate postoperative period. The clinical and intraoperative characteristics, complications and outcomes of all patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean operative time for laparoscopic adrenalectomy was 136 minutes. Intraoperative hypertension occurred in 8 patients. Intraoperative hypotension occurred in 2 patients. One patient required conversion due to dense adhesions and hemorrhage. Postoperative complications were seen in six patients - immediate postoperative hypotension (2 patients), features of steroid withdrawal (2 patients) and postoperative pyrexia (2 patients). Five patients with pheochromocytoma required antihypertensive drugs in the postoperative period. There was no mortality in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe operation that incorporates all the benefits of minimal access surgery and is associated with a satisfactory postoperative outcome. A careful preoperative preparation in functioning adrenal tumours aids in the faster recovery of these patients.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Comparison of lateral transperitoneal and lateral retroperitoneal approaches

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the method of choice of removal of most of adrenal lesions. This study investigated and compared the results of 2 different approaches of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, through retrospective review of 40 patients. Within this study period between 1995 and 2004, there were 20 lateral retroperitoneal and 20 lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed. There was no significant difference in demographic variables between the 2 groups. Operative time, days to diet and ambulation, hospital stay, rate of conversion and complication did not differ significantly between the 2 approaches. No recurrence was detected upon mean follow-up period of 15.9 months. Learning curves showed gradual decrease in operation time in both approaches, reflecting maturation of techniques. In conclusion, both lateral transperitoneal and lateral retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy are safe and effective. There is no difference in outcome between 2 approaches.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) was first described in the literature in 1992, and has become the preferred method for the removal of benign functioning and non-functioning tumors of the adrenal gland <12 cm. The objectives of the present study are to review the experience of LA gained since it was first done in 1992 and to critically evaluate its effectiveness for the surgical management of endocrine hypertension; specifically pheochromocytoma, aldosteronoma and Cushing's syndrome and disease, as opposed to open adrenalectomy. The benefits of minimally invasive techniques for the removal of the adrenal gland include decreased requirements for analgesics, improved patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stay and recovery time when compared to open surgery. LA can be performed safely for bilateral disease and may become the standard of care for malignant tumors. Current limitations are operator-dependent and not a factor of limitations of minimally invasive techniques. A thorough pre-operative work-up is key for differentiating the various cases of hypertension and adequate pre-operative treatment is paramount when indicated.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumors: analysis of surgical aspects based on histological types

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal functions of the tumor influence the operative results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and to analyse the clinical outcomes in patients with various hormonally active adrenal tumors.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological records of 68 patients were reviewed. The average age of patients was 40 years (range 20-75); 39 were women and 29 men. For the comparison, patients were divided into the non-functioning tumor group (n = 22) and the functioning tumor group (n = 46).

RESULTS

All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were finished successfully, and no open surgery was necessary. The median operative time and blood loss in the two groups were similar; however, in subgroup analysis, operative time for pheochromocytoma was significantly longer than that for non-functioning tumor (P = 0.044). No difference was noted in intra- and postoperative data between the groups. Of the 22 patients with aldosteronoma, 18 (81.8%) became normotensive and no longer required postoperative blood pressure medications. Adrenalectomy led to an overall reduction in the median number of antihypertensive medications (P < 0.001). All patients with Cushing adenoma had resolution or improvement of the signs and symptoms during follow-up periods. There was no evidence of biochemical or clinical recurrence in any patient with pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSION

The results of this retrospective review document that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for functioning as well as non-functioning adrenal tumors, although endocrinologic features may play a significant role.

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.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the procedure of choice for small benign lesions. Compared with open adrenalectomy (OA), it appears to achieve superior results in terms of recovery, cosmesis and morbidity.

METHODS

A Medline literature search (PubMed database, 1990-2003) was undertaken to identify relevant English language papers. Studies comparing LA with OA were categorized according to their level of evidence. Variables of outcome were analysed systematically for various adrenal pathologies.

RESULTS

No prospective randomized studies comparing LA with OA were identified. According to 20 comparative case-control studies (level 3b) and many case-series reports (level 4), the results of LA were reproducible and it has consistently been associated with faster recovery and lower morbidity than OA. The clinical outcome in hormonally active lesions was similar. The lateral transabdominal approach was the laparoscopic technique of choice; it was practised by 78.6 per cent of surgeons. Lesion sizes of 10-12 cm were cited as the upper limit for LA in many large series. Experience of 70 malignancies demonstrated the feasibility of LA, with short-term oncological results comparable to those of conventional surgery.

CONCLUSION

Despite a lack of a high level of evidence in its favour, LA has practically replaced OA in the management of small and medium-size benign functioning and non-functioning adrenal lesions, as it has proved to be as effective as OA with less associated morbidity. Although limited experience with large and malignant tumours shows some promise, present data are insufficient for clear conclusions to be drawn.

Laparoscopic Approach Reduces Likelihood of Perioperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Adrenalectomy

Laparoscopy has been reported advantageous over the conventional open technique for adrenalectomy. However, most comparative series include the relatively more challenging cases in the open group. The aim of this study is to assess the actual role of laparoscopy in reducing perioperative complications compared to open surgery in patients undergoing adrenalectomy. Between January 1992 and December 2002, we performed 148 adrenalectomies in 138 patients. Depending on the approach, patients were divided into laparoscopic (LA) or open adrenalectomy (OA) groups. Demographics, tumor characteristics, operative data, and outcomes were analyzed. Linear and logistic regressions identified factors influencing perioperative outcomes. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression assessed independent relationship between factors and perioperative outcomes. A total of 78 cases were performed laparoscopically and 70 open. Patients were matched for age and sex. Tumor size was smaller (3 ± 2 vs 5 ± 3 cm), operative time was shorter (133 ± 65 vs 165 ± 100 min), estimated blood loss was less (114 ± 152 vs 350 ± 417 cc), length of stay was shorter (3 ± 2 vs 7 ± 3 days), and overall complication rate was lower (7% vs 20%) in the LA compared to the OA group. The incidence of cancer in tumors ≥6 cm (31%) was higher than in those <6 cm (4%). All patients with cancer underwent OA. LA was the only factor independently associated with a decreased likelihood of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pulmonary complications. Large and malignant adrenal tumors are more frequently removed through an open approach. However, this fact has no influence on the advantages of the LA over the OA. Laparoscopy reduces perioperative adrenalectomy perioperative complication rates. It has a positive impact on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pulmonary complications.

The clinically inapparent adrenal mass: update in diagnosis and management

Clinically inapparent adrenal masses are incidentally detected after imaging studies conducted for reasons other than the evaluation of the adrenal glands. They have frequently been referred to as adrenal incidentalomas. In preparation for a National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference on this topic, extensive literature research, including Medline, BIOSIS, and Embase between 1966 and July 2002, as well as references of published metaanalyses and selected review articles identified more than 5400 citations. Based on 699 articles that were retrieved for further examination, we provide a comprehensive update of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focusing on endocrine and radiological features as well as surgical options. In addition, we present recent developments in the discovery of tumor markers, endocrine testing for subclinical disease including autonomous glucocorticoid hypersecretion and silent pheochromocytoma, novel imaging techniques, and minimally invasive surgery. Based on the statements of the conference, the available literature, and ongoing studies, our aim is to provide practical recommendations for the management of this common entity and to highlight areas for future studies and research.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for most surgical diseases of the adrenal gland. However it has been suggested that catecholamine effects associated with pheochromocytoma render the laparoscopic approach a more challenging and a more morbid procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative characteristics and outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma to those of aldosteronoma and incidentaloma.

METHOD

Patient records and operative reports were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, diagnoses, operative management, and outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy between June 1994 and July 2002 at two academic medical centers. A total of 74 patients were included and analyzed by diagnosis. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with pheochromocytoma, 27 with aldosteronoma, and 19 with incidentally discovered nonfunctioning adrenal masses underwent laparascopic adrenalectomy. Patients undergoing resection for pheochromocytoma trended toward more operative blood loss (150 ml) compared to aldosteronoma (88 ml) and incidentaloma (75 ml). Eight patients were converted to an open procedure for a 10.8% conversion rate. The mean operative time was 171 min and there was a 10.8% perioperative complication rate. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. These results were not statistically significant between diagnostic groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite concern about increased operative times and morbidity associated with pheochromocytoma, our experience supports that laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be performed as safely as, and achieve outcomes similar to, those for other diseases.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and results of laparoscopic resection of benign pheochromocytomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign pheochromocytomas at all 3 Mayo Clinic sites between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2001. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, imaging studies, biochemical findings, operative intervention, and outcome were examined. Long-term follow-up was obtained via chart review and/or by direct telephone contact with the patient or a relative.

RESULTS

Twenty-four women and 23 men with a mean age of 53.1 years (range, 16-81 years) underwent attempted laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas. In 5 patients, the procedure was converted to open laparotomy because of bleeding (2), inadequate exposure (2), and adhesions (1). The mean tumor size was 4.3 cm. The mean operative time (181.8 vs 1405 minutes; P = .03), mean hospital stay (6.00 vs 2.64 days; P < .001), and mean blood loss (340 mL vs 80 mL; P < .001) were greater in patients who underwent open laparotomy vs those who underwent laparoscopic resection. All specimens were classified as benign. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 10-89 months). No patients experienced a recurrence or developed metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of surgical and anesthesia expertise, laparoscopic resection of benign pheochromocytomas is safe and effective with resultant short hospital stays. A low threshold to convert to an open procedure reduces operative times and decreases potentially serious complications. Although there have been no recurrences to date, long-term follow-up is required for all patients, especially those with hereditary forms of pheochromocytomas.