Laparoscopic resection of large adrenal tumors

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.

Adrenalectomy Outcome Variations Across Different Functional Adrenal Tumors

INTRODUCTION

Adrenalectomy generally has favorable outcomes. It is unknown if patients with functional adrenal tumors experience different clinical outcomes than those with benign adrenal tumors, due to the presence of comorbid conditions secondary to the functional tumor. We investigated outcomes following open and laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign nonfunctional (BNF) versus functional adrenal masses.

METHODS

Patients undergoing adrenalectomy were identified in the 2015-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, then categorized as BNF, hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, and pheochromocytoma. The primary outcome of interest was 30-d morbidity and secondary outcomes included 30-d mortality, 30-d readmission, and postoperative length of stay (LOS). Subgroup analysis was performed based upon surgical approach. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by multivariable logistic regression for individual outcomes that differed significantly between patients with BNF and functional neoplasm, factoring in patient demographics and operative approach with statistical significance on univariate analysis. Descriptive statistics and outcomes were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate.

RESULTS

There were 3291 patients with BNF while 484 had hyperaldosteronism, 263 hypercortisolism, and 46 pheochromocytomas. Within the laparoscopic group of 3615 (88.5%) of adrenalectomy patients, compared to BNF patients, patients with hyperaldosteronism had lower rates of postoperative morbidity (1.9% versus 5.2%, P < 0.001) and shorter LOS (1 d, interquartile range (IQR) [1-1] versus 1d IQR [1-2], P = 0.003); these persisted on multivariate analysis (OR 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.74 and odds ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.36-0.60, P < 0.001). Patients with hypercortisolism had higher morbidity (7.3% versus 5.2%, P < 0.001), 30-d readmission rates (5.3% versus 2.9%, P = 0.042) and longer LOS (2d, IQR [1-3] versus 1d, IQR [1-2, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, presence of hypercortisolism was independently associated with increased likelihood of readmission within 30 d (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.11-2.99, P = 0.012) and longer LOS (>1 d) (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.33-2.40, P < 0.001). Compared to BNF patients, patients with pheochromocytoma had higher rates of postoperative morbidity (6.2% versus 5.2%, P < 0.001). Within the open group of 469 (11.5% of adrenalectomy patients), there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between patients with BNF and functional adrenal masses.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes after adrenalectomy performed for functional neoplasms differ based on surgical indication.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy for Large Adrenal Masses: A Multi-Centre Experience in Saudi Arabia

Introduction Advancements in radiological imaging technology have increased the discovery of adrenal incidentalomas. Large adrenal tumors (LATs) are not common, and the likelihood of malignancy increases with tumor size. LATs were defined as tumors larger than four centimeters (cm) with various pathologic diagnoses. Traditionally, open adrenalectomy was considered the gold standard for LATs, but with recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), optimum perioperative and long-term outcomes are achievable by the MIS approach. The findings presented in this paper show that even large adrenal masses measuring up to 21 centimeters can be safely removed using a minimally invasive approach. Methodology After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, we reviewed medical records of adult patients who had adrenalectomies at two Saudi Arabian centers from January 2013 to February 2023. Inclusion criteria were laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy and adrenal lesions ≥5cm. Pediatric patients and those with open adrenalectomies were excluded. Pre-surgery, patients had imaging studies to assess mass characteristics. Pheochromocytoma patients received a 2-week adrenergic blocker treatment. Perioperative data including demographics, comorbidities, mass characteristics, surgery details, and follow-up were analyzed using SPSS-23. Patients provided informed consent and had follow-up appointments and imaging. Results Our experience involved 35 patients, 29 of whom received laparoscopic treatment and six of whom underwent robotic surgery. Of the 35 patients, more than half were females (57.1%), with a mean age of 41.7±14.9 years, the youngest and oldest participants being 16 and 73 years of age, respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was in the overweight range (26±6.0 kg/m2). The most common mode of presentation was incidental (42.9%), followed by hypertension (17.1%). Most patients had right-sided adrenal gland involvement (48.6%), with only four patients showing bilateral involvement. Most of the patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) 2 (40.0%) or ASA 3 (40.0%). Most of the patients were diagnosed with myelolipoma or adenoma (22.9% each) followed by pheochromocytoma (17.1%). The average estimated blood loss (EBL) was 189.3±354.6 ml for patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and 80.0 ±34.6 ml for patients who underwent robotic surgery. The average operative room time (ORT) was 220.1±98.7 minutes (min) for laparoscopic surgery and 188.3±10.3 min for robotic surgery. One patient had to be converted from laparoscopic to open surgery due to aortic injury. The average length of stay (LOS) was 9.5±6.7 days for laparoscopic treatment and 5.5±1.9 days for robotic surgery. The mean tumor size in the greatest dimension was 8.0±4.4 cm. Only one patient who underwent unilateral laparoscopy experienced perioperative complications and converted to open surgery; nine patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopy required blood transfusion, and none of the patients who underwent robotic surgery required transfusion. None of the 35 patients experienced a recurrence of their adrenal disease during the mean follow-up period which lasted around 58 months. Conclusion MIS in Saudi Arabia is growing and is a safe method for LATs, with satisfactory surgical results compared to the traditional open surgery approach. It offers advantages in terms of EBL, complications, and disease recurrence.

Adrenal Cysts: To Operate or Not to Operate?

Adrenal cysts are uncommon and usually asymptomatic, and therefore are usually incidentally discovered adrenal lesions. They have a broad pathohistological spectrum that includes pseudocysts and endothelial (vascular), parasitic, and epithelial (mesothelial) cysts. Although most adrenal cysts are benign and hormonally non-functional lesions, some can have ambiguous imaging appearances and mimic malignant adrenal neoplasms. On the other hand, the actual malignant neoplasms could undergo cystic transformation. Additionally, immune cell infiltrations, thrombosis, or haemorrhage seen in sepsis can frequently cause adrenal cyst development, raising a question about the possible connection between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and adrenal cystic lesions. Due to the disease's rarity, the likelihood of malignancy, and the lack of specific guidelines, the management of adrenal cysts is always challenging especially in a young person. This review discusses the important diagnostic and the current treatment possibilities for adrenal cystic lesions. Aiming to emphasize clinical dilemmas and help clinicians navigate the challenges when encountering a patient with an adrenal cyst in everyday practice, we based our review on a practical question-answer framework centred around the case of a young woman with an incidentally discovered large adrenal cyst.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumors-analysis of tumor size and adverse events: a retrospective single-center study

Introduction

Adrenal tumors are relatively common, and adrenalectomy is the third most common endocrine surgery. Patients with adrenal tumors were categorized into two groups for analysis: those with intermediate (4-6 cm, Group 1) and large (>6 cm, Group 2) tumors undergoing Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (RLA). The primary outcome is to compare the surgical outcomes between these two groups. The secondary outcome involves analyzing the relationship between tumor characteristics and the incidence of adverse events.

Methods

Data from 76 patients who underwent RLA for tumors of size ≥4 cm between 2005 and 2022 at a single tertiary referral center were analyzed retrospectively. Variables, including patients' age, hormone function, operation time, conversion to open approach, perioperative complications, and adverse surgical events (blood loss >500 cc, conversion to open approach, and perioperative complications), were assessed.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of functional and histopathologic analysis, gender distribution, functioning factors, perioperative complications, and estimated blood loss. However, patients in Group 2 were younger (median age 50, IQR: 40-57, P = 0.04), experienced longer operative times (median 175 min, IQR: 145-230 min, P = 0.005), and had a higher rate of conversion to open surgery (12%, P = 0.033). For every 1 cm increase in tumor size, the odds ratio for adverse surgical events increased by 1.58.

Conclusions

RLA is a safe and feasible procedure for adrenal tumors larger than 6 cm. While intraoperative and postoperative complications are not significantly increased in either group, larger tumors increase surgery times and are more likely to require conversion to open surgery. Therefore, caution and preparedness for potential adverse events are recommended when dealing with larger tumors. A tumor size of 5.3 cm may serve as a guide for risk stratification and surgical planning in large adrenal tumor management.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy for adrenal tumours of 6 cm or greater: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for large adrenal tumours by comparing the outcomes of tumours larger than 6 cm with those smaller than 6 cm and also to identify the risk factors associated with prolonged operative time in transperitoneal LA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and sixty-three patients underwent LA at our clinic from January 2014 to December 2020. Bilateral LA was performed in 20 of these 163 patients. A total of 143 patients were included in this study. Data were analysed retrospectively from the patients' medical records collected.

RESULTS

Large tumour (LT) group consists of 33 patients and the small tumour (ST) group consists of 110 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding conversion to open surgery and complications. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors of prolonged operation time. The tumour size ≥8 cm (odds ratio [OR], 19.132; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.881-94.303; P < 0.001) and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (OR, 2.762; 95% CI, (1.123-6.789, P = 0.026) were the significant predictors of prolonged operation time.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that LA can be considered the treatment of choice for small and large adrenal tumours. The tumour size ≥8 cm and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma are the independent risk factors for the prolonged operative time in transperitoneal LA.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumor guided by a 3D anatomic model. New frontiers in abdominal surgery

If until few years ago the surgeon could study a complex surgery only on the basis of two-dimensional images, today can use 3D physical models on a scale of 1 to 1 of an organ. We report the case of a 53 years old woman with Cushing's syndrome and a giant right adrenal tumor. To better define the relationship between the neoplasm and inferior vena cava, the vascularization of the adrenal gland, any anatomical anomalies and the specific location of the middle adrenal vein, a 3D printed model was created in 1: 1 size based on the preoperative CT. A laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed with resolution of the adrenal disorder. This case highlights the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of 3D anatomical models for correct preoperative planning, the surgeon's intraoperative guidance to reduce possible errors and therefore improve the patient's postoperative outcome.

A 15-cm Adrenal Incidentaloma Suggested on Upper Endoscopy and Resected Laparoscopically

Incidentalomas are asymptomatic adrenal tumors that are discovered on investigations performed for other reasons. Classically, these tumors are found on computed tomography of the abdomen. This article describes an incidentaloma that was discovered on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed before a bariatric operation and caused an extrinsic compression of the first and second parts of the duodenum. Further investigations showed a 15-cm non-functional adrenal tumor. The patient was treated successfully with laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The histological examination showed a benign adrenocortical adenoma with myelolipomatous changes. The article highlights the fact that incidentalomas may not only be discovered on imaging modalities but may also show up in other diagnostic methods such as endoscopy.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a giant adrenal teratoma: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction and importance

Teratomas typically are benign gonadal neoplasms, arising from more than one embryonic germ layer. Extragonadal teratomas are rare and primary adrenal teratomas more so, with few documented cases. We present one such case, diagnosed via CT, resected via laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and confirmed on histology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case documented in the Caribbean.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old obese female with restrictive lung disease presented with right back/flank pain due to a non-functional 10.5 cm right adrenal mass on CT, likely a giant myelolipoma. Further radiologic review suggested this was instead a mature adrenal teratoma. She underwent a laparoscopic adrenalectomy and histology confirmed a mature adrenal teratoma.

Clinical discussion

Most adrenal tumours are incidentalomas and are usually benign adenomas. Primary adrenal teratomas account for 1 % of teratomas and 0.13 % of adrenal tumours. They may be mature or immature; the latter carries a greater risk of malignancy. Benign adrenal teratomas are typically non-functional and commonly mistaken for myelolipomas on imaging. Adrenalectomy is required due to the risk of malignant transformation. The laparoscopic approach depends on size, localized tissue invasion and technical considerations, but offers advantages for the patient if possible.

Conclusions

Though uncommon, preoperative radiologic diagnosis of an adrenal teratoma is possible and should be completely resected after a functional workup. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy is preferred once this can be done safely, even when very large, with surgical and oncologic outcomes equivalent to an open approach combined with the known advantages of laparoscopic surgery.

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Teratomas are typically gonadal in origin.

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Primary adrenal teratomas are exceedingly rare.

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Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is uncommon.

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The standard of care is laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

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Large size increases difficulty but is not a contraindication.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in the large adrenal tumor from single center experience

Background

The role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in a large adrenal tumor is controversial due to the risk of malignancy and technical difficulty. In this study, we compared the perioperative outcomes and complications of LA on large (≥ 6 cm) and (< 6 cm) adrenal tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all clinical data of patients who underwent unilateral transperitoneal LA in our institution between April 2000 and June 2019. Patients were classified by tumor size into 2 groups. Patients in group 1 had tumor size < 6 cm (n = 408) and patient in group 2 had tumor size ≥ 6 cm (n = 48). Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, complications, and pathologic reports were compared between groups.

Results

Patients in group 2 were significant older (p = 0.04), thinner (p = 0.001) and had lower incident of hypertension (p = 0.001), with a significantly higher median operative time (75 vs 120 min), estimated blood loss (20 vs 100 ml), transfusion rate (0 vs 20.8%), conversion rate (0.25 vs 14.6%) and length of postoperative stays ( 4 vs 5.5 days) than in group 2 (all p < 0.001). Group 2 patients also had significantly higher frequency of intraoperative complication (4.7 vs 31.3%; adjust Odds Ratio [OR] = 9.67 (95% CI 4.22–22.17), p-value < 0.001) and postoperative complication (5.4 vs 31.3%; adjust OR = 5.67 (95% CI 2.48–12.97), p-value < 0.001). Only eight (1.8%) major complications occurred in this study. The most common pathology in group 2 patient was pheochromocytoma and metastasis.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in large adrenal tumor ≥ 6 cm is feasible but associated with significantly worse intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and recovery. However, most of the complications were minor and could be managed conservatively. Careful patient selection with the expert surgeon in adrenal surgery is the key factor for successful laparoscopic surgery in a large adrenal tumor.

Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry on 02/03/2020. The registration number was TCTR20200312004.

Day-case robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: Feasibility and safety

OBJECTIVE

The delivery of surgical services has undergone a shift in the past decade with increasing numbers of surgeries being performed in the daycare setting. Implementing a minimally invasive surgical approach with a robot with an enhanced recovery protocol permits robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries (RALS) to be performed as a day-case (DC) procedure. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of DC surgery according to our experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 43 patients underwent DC RALS performed by a single surgeon over 18 months [simple nephrectomy (n=7), radical nephrectomy (n=15), radical nephrectomy with para-aortic lymphadenectomy (n=5), and adrenalectomy (n=5)]. In addition, reconstructive urological procedures that included pyeloplasty (n=9), ureteroureterostomy (n=1), and bladder diverticulectomy with ureteric re-implantation (n=1) were performed as DC surgeries during this study period. RALS was performed in the standard way with an enhanced recovery pathway of care for DC. We collected data regarding the demographic information, medical comorbidities, preoperative outcomes, intraoperative outcomes, complications, length of stay, and readmission rates. The data were analyzed and evaluated.

RESULTS

All the patients (100%) were successfully discharged on the same day with no major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade>I). The readmission rates were 0%.

CONCLUSION

DC RALS are safe and feasible with an enhanced recovery protocol. With adequate protocols in place, these surgeries might prove to be better than the available minimally invasive techniques and can become the standard of care in the future.

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

Background:

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

Patients and Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Recommendation for laparoscopic ultrasound guided laparoscopic left lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Is 6 cm Diameter an Upper Limit for Adrenal Tumors to Perform Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy?

Background: We aimed to compare the results of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for masses ≥6 cm versus <6 cm in diameter in our tertiary referral university hospital. Materials and Methods: Three hundred thirty consecutive patients were divided into two groups according to tumor size (≥6 and <6 cm in diameter). Demographic variables, body mass index (BMI), lesion localization (right/left), tumor diameter, pathological diagnosis and surgical outcomes, including operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), conversion to open surgery, complications, and length of hospital stay were compared between groups. Results: Between February 2008 and March 2020, 53 patients (29 male-24 female) with ≥6 cm (L group) adrenal tumor and 277 patients (105 male-172 female) with <6 cm tumor (S group) underwent transperitoneal LA. One hundred sixty-eight (50.9%) tumors localized on the left side. In L group mean tumor size in female and male patients was 87.5 ± 40.8 mm (range 50-225 mm) and 67.3 ± 18.4 mm (range 10-100 mm), respectively (P < .05). Age, American Society of Anesthesiology scores, BMI, and mean operation time were similar between groups (P > .05). Postoperative complications were more often in L group (P = .005). EBL in group L and group S was 86 ± 70.4 mL (range 10-500 mL) and 55 ± 44.2 mL (range 10-300 mL), respectively (P = .003). Length of hospital stay in group L and group S was 3.7 ± 3.5 days (range 1-26) and 3 ± 1.6 days (range 1-9), respectively (P = .086). Significant variables in multivariate analysis, including gender (male), EBL, and postoperative complication rate, were entered into multivariate regression analysis, which presented that EBL and postoperative complication rates were independent significants for the L group. Conclusion: Six centimeters should not be considered as an upper limit of transperitoneal lateral LA and may be safely performed in centers with experience. Further studies are needed to confirm our data.

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

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

Evolution of adrenal surgery in a tertiary referral centre

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic transperitoneal and retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy have largely replaced open adrenal surgery, particularly in benign disease. Laparoscopic surgery results in less post-operative pain, fewer surgical site complications and reduced length of hospital stay. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the characteristics of patients and evolution of surgical technique in adrenal surgery at Cork University Hospital over a 12-year period.

METHODS

All cases of adrenalectomy between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, diagnosis, surgical approach, length of hospital stay, histology and complications were evaluated. Comparisons were made between open, laparoscopic transperitoneal and retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy cases.

RESULTS

There were 57 adrenalectomies performed on 55 patients over the 12-year period. Twenty-six patients (46%) were male, and the mean age was 49 years (range 14-84 years). Twenty-two (39%) right-sided adrenalectomies were performed, 33 (57%) left sided and 2 (4%) patients underwent bilateral surgery. Seventeen adrenalectomies were performed using an open transperitoneal approach, 30 via a laparoscopic transperitoneal approach and 10 using the retroperitoneoscopic technique. Adenoma and pheochromocytoma were the most common indications for surgery (42% and 40%, respectively). Seven percent were performed for malignancy and 5% for other benign indications. The complication rate for open adrenalectomy was 18% versus 10% in laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy and 0% for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Two patients (7%) undergoing laparoscopic transperitoneal surgery required conversion to an open procedure. There were no 30-day mortalities and no disease recurrence within the study time frame. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.6 days in the open group, 5.8 days for the laparoscopic transperitoneal group and 3 days for the retroperitoneoscopic group (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenalectomy is a safe procedure and in our setting was primarily performed for pheochromocytoma and non-functioning adenomas. Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the standard of care internationally and is associated with fewer complications, shorter hospital stay and a low conversion rate.

Clinical analysis of adrenal lesions larger than 5 cm in diameter (an analysis of 251 cases)

Background

To describe the pathological distribution, imaging manifestations, and surgical managements and prognosis of large adrenal tumors (LATs) ≥ 5 cm

Methods

A total of 251 patients with LATs were analyzed on the basis of pathological or clinical diagnosis. Regarding surgery, open adrenalectomy was performed on 89 patients, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed on 89 patients. Thirty-two patients with bilateral tumors were analyzed in terms of clinical characteristics. The survival rate was determined for 43 patients with adrenal metastases and 29 patients with primary adrenal malignancies. The CT characteristics including tumor diameter, shape, edge, heterogeneity, necrosis, calcification, pre-contrast attenuation, and contrast attenuation were analyzed for 117 patients.

Results

The majority of LATs were still benign, but they had a higher probability to be malignant. Benign LATs made up 68.13% of all cases, mainly adrenal cysts (19.52%), pheochromocytoma (18.73%), benign adenoma (16.73%), and myelolipoma (7.17%). Malignant LATs accounted for 28.69% of cases, mainly including adrenocortical carcinoma (8.76%) and metastases (17.13%). Laparoscopic surgery was found to involve less trauma than open surgery. It was also safer and postoperative recovery was faster, but it had drawbacks and could not completely replace open surgery. CT features had obvious specificity for the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. For example, benign adenomas had a smaller pre-contrast (< 10 Hu) whereas malignant adrenal tumors had, on the contrary, higher attenuation. Regarding adrenal malignant carcinoma, adrenal primary malignant tumors showed a better prognosis than adrenal metastases (mean survival of 19.17 months vs 9.49 months). Primary adrenal cortical carcinoma without metastasis had a better prognosis than primary adrenal cortical carcinoma metastasis (mean survival of 23.71 months vs 12.75 months), and adrenal solitary metastasis had a better prognosis than general multiple metastatic carcinoma (mean survival of 14.95 months vs 5.17 months).

Conclusion

LATs were more likely to be benign; however, they still had a high probability of being a malignant tumor. Understanding the clinicopathological characteristics of LATs can facilitate selection of more effective clinical treatment options.

Challenging risk factors for right and left laparoscopic adrenalectomy: A single centre experience with 272 cases

Purpose

This study aimed to compare perioperative and postoperative results of right and left laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), and to evaluate the impact of challenging factors on these outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 272 patient’s medical records that underwent single side LA between October 2006 and September 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to operation side. Moreover, pheochromocytoma, metastatic masses and adrenal lesions >5cm in size were considered to be difficult adrenalectomy cases and the outcomes of these cases were compared between two groups.

Results

135 patients (49.6%) underwent right LA and 137 patients (50.4%) underwent left LA. Operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL) and hospitalization time were similar between the groups (p=0.415, p=0.242, p=0.741, respectively). Although EBL was higher on the right side than the left (p=0.038) in the first 20 cases, after this learning period has been completed, there was no significant difference between the groups. In patients with pheochromocytoma, metastatic mass and a mass >5cm in size, despite bleeding complications were clinically higher on the right side, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

During the learning period of LA, EBL is higher on the right side. Due to the greater risk of bleeding complications on the right side even on the hands of experienced surgeons, extra care and preoperative planning are required in patients with pheochromocytoma, metastatic masses and masses >5cm in size.

A Case of Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Mimicking an Adrenocortical Carcinoma

An adrenal mass can be a diagnostic challenge as it is not easy to differentiate the adrenal glands from other adrenal pseudotumours with only radio-imaging. We report a 28-year-old patient who was diagnosed radiologically as an adrenal cortical carcinoma after he presented with abdominal pain and fullness. Biochemically, he demonstrated secondary hyperaldosteronism. Intra-operatively there was a huge mass, inferior to a normal right adrenal, which was histopathologically proven to be a dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

Applicability and outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been shown to be as safe and effective as conventional open surgery for small and benign adrenal lesions. With increasing experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy, this approach has become the procedure of choice for the majority of patients requiring adrenalectomy. In our department, from 2011 to 2016, a total of 28 patients with 31 adrenal tumours underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy regardless of tumour size. Our policy in the department is to exclude adrenal tumours that are potentially malignant or metastatic adrenal tumours for laparoscopic resection. In this a retrospective study, we divided patients into two groups according to tumour size: < 5 or ≥ 5 cm, which was considered as the definition of large adrenal tumours. We compared demographic data and per- and postoperative outcomes. There was no statistical difference between the two groups for per-operative complications (16,6% vs 18,75% , P = 0.71), postoperative complications (16,6% vs 18,75% , P = 0.71), postoperative length of hospital stay (5 vs 8 days P = 0.40), mortality (0% vs 0%) or oncologic outcomes: recurrence and metastasis (8.3% vs 6.25% P = 0.70). The only statistical difference was the operating time, at a mean (SD) 194 (60) vs 237 (71) min (P = 0.039) and the conversion rate (0% vs 12.5% P < 0.01). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be done for all patients with adrenal tumours regardless of tumour size, even it needs more time for large tumour but appears to be safe and feasible when performed by experienced surgeons.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy with transient renal artery occlusion for large adrenal tumors (≥8 cm)

OBJECTIVES

To analyze our experience in retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) with transient renal artery occlusion for large adrenal tumors (≥8 cm) and to explore the safety and feasibility of this surgical procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a surgical data review of 18 patients with large adrenal tumors who underwent RLA with transient renal artery occlusion in our hospital.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were treated by RLA with transient occlusion of the renal artery, and none were converted to open adrenalectomy. The renal artery occlusion time, operative time, estimated blood loss, perirenal drainage time, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative drainage were 7.6 ± 1.0 min, 176.3 ± 49.7 min, 247.2 ± 274.1 mL, 4.1 ± 1.02 days, 6.3 ± 1.4 days, and 73.6 ± 47.9 mL, respectively. No severe complications occurred, with the exception of hemodynamic instability in one patient with a pheochromocytoma and one transfusion during the operation. Only one case of adrenal crisis occurred postoperatively. Pathological examination revealed 9 cases of pheochromocytoma, 6 cases of adrenal myelolipoma, 1 case of adrenal ganglioneuroma, 1 case of hygromata, and 1 case of adrenal teratoma. No recurrence or evidence of metastasis was observed during the 7-to-30-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

RLA with transient renal artery occlusion is a feasible, effective, and safe treatment for large adrenal tumors (≥8 cm).

Laparoscopic Excision of an Adrenal Ganglioneuroma Presented as an Incindentaloma of the Retro Peritoneum

Adrenal ganglioneuroma (GN) is a benign tumor of retro-peritoneum that is presented as an incidentaloma. GNs most commonly have been diagnosed by imaging examinations notably by CT scan. Differential diagnosis from other malignant adrenal tumors is often difficult. The only examination that confirms diagnosis is only the histopathological one. Surgical excision of a GN has been proposed as the best solution for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This case report is about a 68-year old male patient presenting with a non-typical abdominal pain. The imaging investigation showed an incidentaloma over 4cm at its large axis. The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the tumor. We present the steps followed during the diagnosis the appropriate treatment and the follow up examinations as a result of this rare finding.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a review and single-center experience

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the preferred approach to adrenal gland tumors.

Objective: To evaluate the perioperative and functional outcomes of transperitoneal LA.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal LA at our institution between April 2000 and December 2011.

Results: Two hundred two patients with mean age of 46 years were included in the study. There were 109 left, 89 right, and 4 bilateral tumors. Preoperative diagnosis included 126 aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA), 33 patients with Cushing syndrome, 19 pheochromocytomas, 20 nonfunctional tumors, and 4 adrenal metastases. Mean tumor size was 3.3 cm (range 0.4-22 cm). Mean operative time was 109 min and estimated blood loss 90 mL for unilateral adrenalectomy; and 195 min and 300 mL for bilateral adrenalectomy. Four patients with pheochromocytoma required transfusion and 2 required conversion to an open approach. Seven intraoperative complications and 18 30-day postoperative complications occurred. These included 5 major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3-5). Ninety-seven percent of APA patients had normal serum potassium levels after surgery. Among the patients with functioning endocrine tumors, complete resolution rate from secondary hypertension was significantly higher in the pheochromocytoma group compared with those with APA or Cushing syndrome (82% vs. 48% vs. 68% respectively, p = 0.02). Mean follow up was 35.2 months.

Conclusion: LA is the treatment of choice for most adrenal gland tumors with excellent outcomes and low complication rates. There was a high chance for complete resolution of secondary hypertension after surgery for pheochromocytoma.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours

Objective

To verify the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours, as since it was described, the laparoscopic approach for adrenalectomy has become the ‘gold standard’ for small tumours and for large and non-malignant adrenal tumours many studies have reported acceptable results.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective study from a general surgery department from January 2006 to December 2013 including 45 patients (56 laparoscopic adrenalectomies). We divided patients into two groups according to tumour size: <5 or ⩾5 cm, we compared demographic data and peri- and postoperative outcomes.

Results

There was no statistical difference between the two groups for conversion rate (3.7% vs 11.7% P = 0.32), postoperative complications (14% vs 12%, P = 0.4), postoperative length of hospital stay (5 vs 6 days P = 0.43) or mortality (3.5% vs 0% P = 0.99). The only statistical difference was the operating time, at a mean (SD) 155 (60) vs 247 (71) min (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours needs more time but appears to be safe and feasible when performed by experienced surgeons.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Cancer—A Systematic Review

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is increasingly employed for removal of adrenal masses. As adrenal tumors increase in size, however, their malignant potential likewise increases, raising concerns for the use of laparoscopy for removal of large adrenal malignancies. We present a systematic review of the use of laparoscopic adrenalectomy of large malignant tumors. A PubMed search was undertaken and two independent reviewers reviewed the manuscripts and a methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was determined. Manuscripts with scores greater than eight were included. The primary end points were rate of cancer recurrence, rate of conversion to open, complications, and surgical technique. Our initial search produced 412 manuscripts. After abstract review, 44 manuscripts were scored, of which 19 manuscripts were used. A total of 2183 tumors were removed, of which 517 were malignant. Average follow-up time was 38.7 months. The recurrence rate was 12.9 per cent. The rate of conversion was 3.6 per cent. The main techniques used were transabdominal and retroperitoneal. No significant differences in rate of recurrence or complications were seen when compared with open. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be performed for large and malignant tumors; however, most manuscripts on this subject lack significant scientific rigor and follow-up.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Lateral Adrenalectomy for Large Adrenal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for treatment of benign adrenal lesions. Tumor size is a factor that might influence decision-making concerning the use of laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of adrenalectomy for tumors ≥6 cm in diameter.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were analyzed: first group comprised 441 patients with tumors <6 cm in diameter and second group consisted of 89 patients with tumors ≥6 cm. Both groups were compared with regard to the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, conversion and complications rate.

RESULTS

Median duration of surgery in groups 1 and 2 amounted to 86.6 and 111.9 min (p < 0.0001), respectively. Median intraoperative blood loss in groups 1 and 2 was 56.5 and 172.8 ml (p < 0.0001), respectively. There was a linear relationship between tumor size and the duration of surgery, and between tumor size and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.0001). There were 2 (0.5%) and 6 (6.7%) conversions in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were 41 (9.3%) and 14 (15.7%) complications in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.0692), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy of tumors ≥6 cm is more difficult, but it can be regarded safe and beneficial for patients.

Minimally invasive approach for adrenal lesions: Systematic review of laparoscopic versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and assessment of risk factors for complications

In the last decades, minimally invasive transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for surgical resection of the adrenal gland tumors. Recently, however, adrenalectomy by a mininvasive retroperitoneal approach has reached increasingly popularity as alternative technique. Short hospitalization, lower postoperative pain and decrease of complications and a better cosmetic resolution are the main advantages of these innovative techniques. In order to determine the better surgical management of adrenal neoplasms, the Authors analyzed and compared the feasibility and the postoperative complications of minimally invasive adrenalectomy approaches. A systematic research of the English literature, including major meta-analysis articles, clinical randomized trials, retrospective studies and systematic reviews was performed, comparing laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Many studies support that posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is superior or at least comparable to laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in operation time, pain score, blood loss, hospitalization, complications rates and return to normal activity. However, laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy is up to now a safe and standardized procedure with a shorter learning curve and a similar low morbidity rate, even for tumors larger than 6 cm. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to objectively evaluate these techniques, excluding selection bias and bias related to differences in surgeons' experiences with this approaches.

[LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY: COMPARISON OF TRANSPERITONEAL AND RETROPERITONEAL APPROACHES]

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is generally performed by either a transperitoneal approach (TA) or a retroperitoneal approach (RA). However, the optimal selection criteria for each approach are unclear. We investigated the factors affecting the safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy to evaluate the optimal criteria for each approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 149 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy from February 1994 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We performed TA for 75 tumors in 73 patients and RA for 78 tumors in 76 patients. Patient characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, operative outcomes in patients with some surgical risks were specifically compared between the two approaches.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups, although the patients in the RA group were significantly older than those in the TA group. Four patients with a large pheochromocytoma in the TA group had excessive blood loss and one of them was given blood transfusion. However, there was no difference in intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.091). The other serious adverse events were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that both RA and TA can be effective surgical strategies, with close attention to large pheochromocytoma to avoid excessive hemorrhage.

Incidental ganglioneuromas: a presentation of 14 surgical cases and literature review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ganglioneuromas are benign tumors which originate from the neural crest. This tumor affects mainly young patients rather than adult ones, and its most frequent localizations are mediastinum, retroperitoneum, adrenal glands and cervical region. Usually, ganglioneuromas are discovered as incidentalomas since they are often asymptomatic, even if they could present sympathetic or mass-related symptoms. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, histological exam is necessary since CT scan and MRI are not capable of distinguishing ganglioneuromas from other tumors, such as neuroblastomas or pheocromocytomas. The surgical excision is the chosen treatment and it offers an excellent prognosis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of our cases of ganglioneuroma from 2004 to 2014; this study aims to compare our experience with literature review (2000-2014). Data about patients' features, tumor localization, symptoms, treatment and follow-up were analyzed and reported in detailed tables.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2014 we treated 14 patients affected by ganglioneuroma. For all of them the diagnosis was incidental; 9 out of 12 (64.3 %) patients presented an adrenal mass; in 2 patients (14.3 %) the tumor was localized in cervical region; in other 2 patients (14.3 %) the tumor was in the retroperitoneum and one patient (7.1 %) presented a ganglioneuroma in the costo-vertebral space. All our patients underwent surgical removal and none of them present surgery-related complications or recurrences to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data widen the knowledge about ganglioneuroma and confirm that the surgical approach has an excellent prognosis with very low incidence of surgery-related complications and recurrences.

Adrenal Gland Lymphangiomas

Lymphangiomas of the adrenal glands (ALs) are benign vascular lesions. Approximately, 53 cases have been reported in the literature. The current study reviews and analyzes the clinical and pathologic features of all reported ALs and additionally illustrates a typical case of adrenal lymphangioma (AL). In order to perform the review analysis, a search of the international literature for ALs in adults was conducted. Thirty-eight related articles were found. Clinical and pathological information were obtained for all the reported cases and a database was created. ALs were detected more frequently in women than men. The mean age of occurrence was 39.5 years, while their mean size was 8.86 cm. Fifty-nine percent of ALs were right-sided. Size and localization were responsible for the presenting symptoms, though 30.4 % were asymptomatic. Diagnosis was made postoperatively in all cases by histological results. ALs are rare and benign lesions. They usually present as an incidental finding after abdominal imaging. The diagnosis is made after the surgical removal by histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Surgical treatment of potentially primary malignant adrenal tumors: an unresolved issue

Although the great majority of incidentalomas are adrenocortical adenomas, a number of them, depending on the size and radiological characteristics of the lesions, will turn out to be carcinomas. These tumors may present as suspicious on initial evaluation and potentially malignant or malignant on histology. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Laparoscopic surgery has become the gold standard for surgery of benign adrenal tumors. Despite the extensive experience gained in laparoscopic adrenalectomy, controversy still remains in the management of adrenal tumors with high suspicion or evidence of malignancy. The aim of this review is to update the existing information regarding the diagnostic approach and surgical management of suspicious and potentially malignant primary adrenal tumors.The interpretation of radiologic characteristics is a cornerstone in pre-operative assessment of large adrenal masses, since open surgery remains the preferred procedure when malignancy is suspected in large tumors with possible local invasion. Despite the improvement of imaging techniques, they lack sufficient accuracy to exclude primary malignancy in tumors from 4 cm to 10 cm in size. An initial laparoscopic approach can be used in this group of patients, but early conversion to open technique is mandatory if curative resection cannot be performed. Adrenal tumors >10 cm of malignant potential should be treated by the open approach from the start. Solitary adrenal metastasis from another primary malignancy is usually amenable to laparoscopic surgery. Patients with suspected adrenal cancer should be referred to tertiary centers that perform laparoscopic and open adrenal surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Surgical management of adrenocortical tumours

The surgical treatment of adrenal tumours has evolved over the past century, as has our understanding of which hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands and what these hormones do. This article reviews the preoperative evaluation of patients with adrenal tumours that could be benign or malignant, including metastases. The biochemical evaluation of excess levels of hormones is discussed, as are imaging characteristics that differentiate benign tumours from malignant tumours. The options for surgical management are outlined, including the advantages and disadvantages of various open and laparoscopic approaches. The surgical management of adrenocortical carcinoma is specifically reviewed, including controversies in operative approaches as well as surgical management of invasive or recurrent disease.

Laparoscopic trans- and retroperitoneal adrenal surgery for large tumors

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for tumors larger than 6 cm is currently a matter of controversial discussion because of difficult mobilization from surrounding organs and a possible risk of capsule rupture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 1/1994 and 7/2012 were collected and analysed retrospectively. Intra- and postoperative morbidity in patients with tumors ≤6 cm (group 1, n = 227) were compared to patients with tumors >6 cm, (group 2, n = 52).

RESULTS

Incidence of adrenocortical carcinoma was significantly higher in group 2 patients (6.3% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.039) whereas the incidence of aldosterone-producing adenoma was lower (2% vs. 25%, P = 0.001). Mean duration of surgery was longer (105 min vs. 88 min, P = 0.03) and the estimated blood loss was higher (470 mL vs. 150 mL) in group 2 patients. Intraoperative bleeding rate (5.7% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.041), and the conversion rate were significantly higher (5.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.011) in group 2. Also, postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in group 2 (11.5% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.022). However, only two major complications occurred, one in each group.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive adrenal surgery can be performed by an experienced surgeon even in patients with large tumors (>6 cm) with an increased but still acceptable intra- and postoperative morbidity.

Adrenal oncocytic neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential

Adrenal oncocytic neoplasms (AONs) are a rare group of tumours with a somewhat uncertain natural history and clinical behaviour. Out of 46 cases of AON reported to date, 6 cases were histologically classified as neoplasms with uncertain malignant potential. We report the case of a 35-year-old male with an incidentally-detected large AON with mostly benign morphology and some characteristics which would make its behaviour uncertain.

[Minimally invasive technique as the gold standard of adrenal surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Minimal invasive surgery of the adrenal gland is a "gold standard" procedure worldwide. Authors compare operative data to a historical control group retrospectively analyzing an almost 15 years period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2011, 175 transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed with the lateral approach. On the left side, a new "suprasplenic" approach was introduced with the superior mobilization of the spleen, and transection of the short gastric vessels. For larger lesions (above 7 cm) hand assisted laparoscopic method was applied.

RESULTS

Average operative time of laparoscopic surgery was 77 minutes, compared to 115 minutes of open surgery. The average size of the tumor was 3.1 cm in the laparoscopic, and 4.9 cm in the open group. The largest tumors were similar in both groups, however the rate of smaller sized lesions was higher in the laparoscopic one. Conversion was required in 15 cases (8.6%) mostly due to bleeding. Complication rate was 10.8% in the laparoscopic and 24.6% in the conventional group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter with the laparoscopic technique (4.5 vs. 8.1 days). Among laparoscopic cases unexpected primary malignancy was reported in 3 cases (1.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic technique is the procedure of choice in case of benign adrenal tumors, which offer many advantages. Most metastasis localized to the adrenals can also be removed laparoscopically with expertise and self-restraint, without oncologic compromise. To assure the quality of pre- and postoperative care, cooperation with an endocrinologist is indispensable.

Laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy: another look at outcome using the Clavien classification system

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic approach to adrenalectomy has become the procedure of choice for most adrenal resections. We hypothesized that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is less likely to result in intensive care unit (ICU) level complications or death than open adrenalectomy, despite baseline comorbidity mix.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) participant use files for 2005-2009, all laparoscopic and open adrenalectomies were identified by current procedural terminology. Adverse outcomes tracked in NSQIP were mapped to Clavien level based on need for ICU care or death. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to compare groups.

RESULTS

There were 1,980 laparoscopic and 592 open procedures. Clavien 4 and 5 complications occurred in 45 (7.6%) of open and 35 (1.8%) of laparoscopic operations. The univariate odds ratio showed a 4.6-fold greater likelihood that a patient would have an ICU level complication (P < .001), and 4.9 odds ratio of death (P < .001) if an open rather than laparoscopic operation was performed. Regression modeling showed persistence of the protective effect of laparoscopy after adjusting for comorbidities with a multivariate odds ratio of 3.3 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach to adrenalectomy has an independent protective effect on ICU level complications and mortality when compared with open procedures. This correlation persists after correcting for multiple comorbidities.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large tumours: Single team experience

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the procedure of choice to treat benign functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumours. With improving experience, large adrenal tumours (> 5 cm) are being successfully tackled by laparoscopy. This study aims to present our single unit experience of LA performed for large adrenal masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed for large adrenal lesions more than 5 cm during the period 2001 to 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 46 adrenalectomies were done in 42 patients. The mean tumour size was 7.03 cm (5-15 cm). Fourteen patients had tumour size more than 8 cm. The lesions were localised on the right side in 17 patients and on the left side in 21 patients with bilateral tumours in 4 patients. Functioning tumours were present in 32 of the 46 patients. The average blood loss was 112 ml (range 20-400 ml) with the mean operating time being 144 min (range 45 to 270 min). Five patients required conversion to open procedure. Three of the 46 patients (6.52%) on final histology had malignant tumours.

CONCLUSION

LA is safe and feasible for large adrenal lesions. Mere size should not be considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic approach in large adrenal masses. Graded approach, good preoperative assessment, team work and adherence to anatomical and surgical principles are the key to success.

Current concepts in the management of adrenal incidentalomas

Adrenal tumors are among the commonest incidental findings discovered. The increased incidence of diagnosing adrenal incidentalomas is due to the widespread availability and use of noninvasive imaging studies. Extensive research has been conducted to define a cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to guide physicians in managing incidental adrenal lesions. However, there is little consensus on the optimal management strategy. Published literature to date, describes a wide spectrum of treatment options ranging from excision of all adrenal lesions regardless of the size and functional status to extensive hormonal and radiological evaluation to avoid surgery. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the presentation, evaluation and management of adrenal incidentalomas. Additionally, we propose a management algorithm to optimally manage these tumors.

Is previous same quadrant surgery a contraindication to laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

BACKGROUND

Previous abdominal surgery may present a challenge to safely completing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We evaluated the impact of previous ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery on laparoscopic adrenalectomy outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospective databases was performed for patients that underwent laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy at 2 tertiary centers between 2001 and 2011. Patients with previous ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery, contralateral upper abdominal surgery, or no relevant surgery were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 217 patients, 38 (17%) had previous ipsilateral upper abdominal surgeries, 17 (8%) had contralateral upper abdominal surgeries, and 162 (75%) had no relevant surgery. Adhesions were more common in the ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery group (63% vs 24% vs 17%; P < .001). Mean operative times (173 ± 100 vs 130 ± 76 vs 149 ± 77 minutes; P = .16) and intraoperative complication rates (3% vs 0% vs 3%; P = .55) were not different. The rate of conversion to open surgery was similar for the 3 groups (11% vs 6% vs 3%; P = .08); all 4 conversions in the ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery group followed previous open procedures. Mean duration of stay and postoperative complication rates were also comparable between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with previous ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery is feasible and safe, with comparable outcomes to those without previous relevant surgery, including contralateral upper abdominal surgery.