Pheochromocytoma growing exophytically from the right adrenal gland and invaginating into the liver

Large adrenal tumours mimicking hepatic malignancy: the role of concurrent adrenalectomy and anterior approach hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Large right adrenal tumours may invade the liver and mimic primary hepatic malignancy, presenting diagnostic and management challenges. The 'anterior approach hepatectomy' (AAH) using hanging manoeuvre may be safe for resection of such tumours.

METHODS

Prospectively maintained database was analysed to identify the large tumours of adreno-hepatic region subjected to hepatectomy. Clinico-biochemical, radiological and surgical details were reviewed. AAH and hanging manoeuvre was adopted for the patients requiring right hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Out of the eight patients with adreno-hepatic tumour, four had indeterminate origin of the mass, two had complex cysts, and two were diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma on the pre-operative imaging. The median age was 38 years (23-66); male:female ratio was 5:3. AAH was performed in four patients, while others underwent non-anatomical resection of involved segment(s). This accounted for 1.01% of 789 hepatectomies performed during the study period. The median intra-operative blood loss was 525 mL (150-2200 mL) and the median tumour size was 9 cm (6-17 cm). All patients underwent R0 resection. The final histopathological diagnoses were: three phaeochromocytomas (two malignant and one benign), two adrenocortical carcinomas, one malignant paraganglionomas and two adrenal cysts. Major complication (grade IVa) was experienced in one patient. On median follow-up of 67.5 months (7-84), all were alive and one patient had tumour recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Adrenal tumours mimicking primary hepatic malignancy are rare but pose diagnostic challenges. The AAH is a safe approach with acceptable R0 resection, blood loss, surgical complications and overall outcome for the patients requiring right hepatectomy.