Risk factors for conversion and complications after unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E-PASS) predicts postoperative complications after adrenalectomy

The Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) score, initially developed for gastrointestinal surgery, is a validated system used to predict postoperative complications by evaluating preoperative and intraoperative factors. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the E-PASS score in predicting postoperative complications following adrenalectomy. In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed data from 202 patients who underwent adrenalectomy by a single surgeon between January 2017 and March 2024. 182 patients with complete data and who met the study criteria were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed, including preoperative complaints, ASA classification, ECOG performance status, presence of systemic diseases, type of surgery, and intraoperative details, such as blood loss and complications. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo Classification. The mean age of the patients was 48.7 ± 13.6 years. The mean BMI was 24.1 kg/m2. Postoperative complications were observed in 26.4% of patients, categorized as Grade 1 (54.1%), Grade 2 (25%), Grade 3 (16.7%), and Grade 4 (4.2%). Multivariate logistic regression identified higher BMI (OR = 1.394) and an E-PASS CRS score > - 0.0677 (OR = 6.17) as independent risk factors for complications. ROC curve analysis determined this CRS score cut-off with an AUC of 0.866 (CI 0.808-0.923; p < 0.001). The E-PASS scoring system effectively predicts postoperative complications in adrenalectomy. Its integration into clinical practice can enhance the identification of high-risk patients, optimize perioperative management, and potentially reduce adverse outcomes.

Influence of obesity and overweight in surgical outcomes of adrenalectomy for primary adrenal disease: A cohort study of 146 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of obesity and overweight on surgical outcomes in a large cohort of patients who underwent adrenalectomy due to benign or malignant primary adrenal disease.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study of patients without history of active extraadrenal malignancy, with adrenal tumors operated on consecutively in our center between January 2010 and December 2022. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI)≥30kg/m2 and overweight as BMI between 25.0 and 30.0kg/m2.

RESULTS

Of 146 patients with adrenal tumors who underwent adrenalectomy, 9.6% (n=14) were obese, 54.8% (n=80) overweight and 35.6% (n=52) normal weight. Obese patients had higher diastolic blood pressure (87.6±12.22 vs. 79.3±10.23mmHg, P=0.010) and a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (57.1% vs. 25.8%, P=0.014) and bilateral tumors (14.3% vs. 3.1%, P=0.044) than non-obese patients. The rates of intraoperative and of postsurgical complications were similar between obese/overweight patients and patients with normal weight. However, a significantly higher rate of postsurgical complications (27.3% vs. 5.7%, P=0.009) and a longer hospital stay (5.4±1.39 vs. 3.5±1.78 days, P=0.007) were observed in patients with obesity than in non-obese patients. In the multivariant analysis, obesity, age, ASA>2 and tumor size were independent risk factors for postoperative complications, with obesity being the most important factor (OR 23.34 [2.23-244.24]).

CONCLUSION

Obesity and overweight are common conditions in patients who undergo adrenalectomy. Adrenalectomy is considered a safe procedure in patients with overweight, but it is associated with a higher risk of postsurgical complications and longer hospital stay in obese patients.

Risk factors for intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and prolonged length of stay after laparoscopic adrenalectomy by transperitoneal lateral approach: a retrospective cohort study of 547 procedures

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard for the resection of most adrenal lesions. A precise delineation of factors influencing its outcomes is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after LA.

METHODS

Patients who underwent LA from 1999 to 2021 in a single-academic-institution were included. Patient and disease-specific data, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications according to Dindo-Clavien (DC) scale, and LOS were recorded. Predictive factors of complications and prolonged LOS were determined by logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 530 patients who underwent 547 LA. Intraoperative complications occurred in 33 patients (6.0%). Postoperative complications ≥  DC grade 2 occurred in 73 patients (13.35%); severe postoperative complications ≥ DC grade 3 in 14 patients (2.56%). Postoperative complications were positively associated with age ≥ 72 (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.02-1.29]), intraoperative complications (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.14-1.63]), and negatively associated with non functional adenomas (OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.7-0.99]), and right adrenalectomy (OR 0.91 [95% CI 0.86-0.97]). Severe postoperative complications were positively associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, OR 1.08 [95% CI 1.00-1.17]), and negatively associated with right adrenalectomy (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.92-0.99]). Prolonged LOS was associated with age ≥ 72 (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.05-1.41]), and COPD (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.01-1.44]).

CONCLUSIONS

LA remains safe when performed by surgeons with expertise. Right adrenalectomy resulted in less postoperative overall and severe complications. The risk-benefit equation should be carefully assessed before left LA in older patients with COPD.

Risk factors for postoperative complications after adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma: multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

To determine the incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stay after adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma.

METHODS

Demographics, perioperative outcomes and complications were evaluated for consecutive patients who underwent adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma from 2012 to 2020 in nine high-volume UK centres. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable models. The primary outcome was postoperative complications according to the Clavien---Dindo classification and secondary outcome was duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Data were available for 406 patients (female n = 221, 54.4 per cent). Two patients (0.5 per cent) had perioperative death, whilst 148 complications were recorded in 109 (26.8 per cent) patients. On adjusted analysis, the age-adjusted Charlson Co-morbidity Index ≥3 (OR 8.09, 95 per cent c.i. 2.31 to 29.63, P = 0.001), laparoscopic converted to open (OR 10.34, 95 per cent c.i. 3.24 to 36.23, P <0.001), and open surgery (OR 11.69, 95 per cent c.i. 4.52 to 32.55, P <0.001) were independently associated with postoperative complications. Overall, 97 of 430 (22.5 per cent) had a duration of stay ≥5 days and this was associated with an age-adjusted Charlson Co-morbidity Index ≥3 (OR 4.31, 95 per cent c.i. 1.08 to 18.26, P = 0.042), tumour size (OR 1.15, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 1.28, P = 0.006), laparoscopic converted to open (OR 32.11, 95 per cent c.i. 9.2 to 137.77, P <0.001), and open surgery (OR 28.01, 95 per cent c.i. 10.52 to 83.97, P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma is associated with a very low mortality rate, whilst postoperative complications are common. Several risk factors, including co-morbidities and operative approach, are independently associated with postoperative complications and/or prolonged hospitalization, and should be considered when counselling patients.

De Novo coupled use of central-vein isolation and tubeless treatment in laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Objective

To explore the combined uses of central vein isolation-based laparoscopic technique and tubeless cardiovascular interventional technique (CVIT) in laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods

31 subject patients with adrenal tumors were recruited and treated from January 2020 to November 2021. Regarding tumor size, the average transverse diameter of the adrenal tumor was (2.2 ± 1.0) cm and the average longitudinal diameter of the tumor was (3.1 ± 1.5) cm, respectively. All subject patients were operated on through the abdominal approach. The "central vein isolation" based laparoscopic technique was adopted to complete the operation. No drainage tube was placed in the patients. For this study, selected performance parameters, including the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stays, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

All the tumors were removed laparoscopically without any conversion to open surgery. All 31 recruited subjects were treated successfully with preservation of adrenocortical function. The mean operation time was 30 min (range from 25 to 63 min); the mean amount of intraoperative bleeding was approximately 3 mL (ranges from 0 to 10 mL); the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range from 2 to 6 days). Of note, no complications were recorded, such as adjacent organ injury, large vessel injury, infection, and secondary bleeding that occurred during and after the operation.

Conclusion

The combined use of central-vein isolation laparoscopic technique and tubeless treatment ensures a facile, safe, and robust laparoscopic adrenalectomy operation in clinical practice.

Laparoscopic or Open Adrenalectomy for Stage I-II Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Surgical resection of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is the only curative treatment. Even in localized (I-II) stages, open adrenalectomy (OA) is the gold standard, though laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) can be proposed in selected patients. Despite the postoperative benefits of LA, its role in the surgical management of patients with ACC remains controversial regarding oncologic outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of patients with localized ACC submitted to LA or OA in a referral center from 1995 to 2020. Among 180 consecutive patients operated on for ACC, 49 presented with localized ACC (19 LA and 30 OA). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for tumor size. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year overall survival were similar in both groups (p = 0.166) but 3-year disease-free survival was in favor of OA (p = 0.020). Though LA could be proposed in highly selected patients, OA should still be considered the standard approach in patients with known or suspected localized ACC.

Perioperative outcomes of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma surgery preceded by Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas can induce severe cardiovascular manifestations such as Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy. What the perioperative outcomes are of patients presenting with pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas preceded by Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy remains an unresolved question.

METHODS

From 2006 to 2019, all patients who underwent surgery for pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas preceded by Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy were included from 3 high-volume centers, with specific attention to perioperative hemodynamic instability and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 patients were included, with a median age of 45 years. Patients were operated on 2 months (1-4) after a Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy episode; 33 (89%) had a laparoscopic approach. All those who underwent surgery presented in a hemodynamically stable situation. All except 1 of the pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas patients had at least 1 antihypertensive treatment at the time of surgery. The median preoperative systolic blood pressure in the Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy group was 120 mm Hg (95-132). Overall, 27/34 (79%) of patients required vasoactive drugs during surgery with nicardipine (n = 22), esmolol (n = 12), and/or norepinephrine (n = 8). No patient presented a catecholamine-induced life-threatening complication such as hypertensive crisis, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, cardiac ischemia, or Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy in the perioperative period. Severe morbi-mortality was nil. The systematic review identified 5 studies including 38 pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas patients with at least 1 episode of acute heart failure considered as Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy before surgery, of which 28 patients had delayed surgery with 1 postoperative death.

CONCLUSION

Hemodynamically stabilized patients with pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas preceded by Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy can be safely scheduled for an elective pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas surgery, with similar intra and postoperative outcomes as those without Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy.

High-Volume Center Experience with Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy over Two Decades

Background: Study aims to demonstrate single-institution two decades experience with lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies. Methods: Retrospective study involved 991 operations grouped into 4 cohorts. Data was collected on the patients’ age, sex, side and size of the lesion, histopathological type, hormonal activity, conversion to open adrenalectomy, operating time, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications. Results: The operations were right-sided (n = 550), left-sided (n = 422), bilateral (n = 19). Mean tumor size was 41.9 mm. Histopathological examination revealed 442 adenomas, 191 nodular hyperplasias, 218 pheochromocytomas, 33 malignancies and 126 other lesions. 541 patients had hormonally active tumors. Mean operating time for unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was 141 min. Mean length of hospital stay was 5.27 days. Intraoperative complications rate was 2.3%. Conversion rate was 1.5%. 54 of patients had 70 postoperative complications. Reoperation rate was 1%. Mortality rate was 0.1%. Statistically significant differences were found in all factors, apart from age, sex, side and size of the lesion, reoperations rate (p > 0.05). Conversions rate, complications rates, length of hospital stay were highest in the first group (p < 0.05). Operating time shortened in the first decade. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure with negligible mortality. Conversions rate, perioperative complications rate, and length of hospital stay, significantly decreased over time.

Comparison of Outcomes between Obese and Nonobese Patients in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is usually considered a risk factor for surgical complications. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has replaced open adrenalectomy as the standard operation for adrenal tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy to treat adrenal tumors in obese versus nonobese patients.

METHODS

This observational cohort study analyzed consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy with a lateral transperitoneal approach at a single center (2003-2020). Data and outcomes of obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese patients were compared. To analyze the association between operative time and other variables, we used simple and multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

N = 160 (90 obese/70 nonobese) patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Cushing syndrome and pheochromocytoma were the most frequent indications. Obese patients were older (58 vs. 52 years, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of obese patients were ASA grade III + IV (71.1 vs. 48.6%, p = 0.004). Obesity was associated with a longer operative time (72.5 vs. 60 min, p < 0.001) and greater blood loss (40 vs. 20 mL, p = 0.022). There were no differences in conversion, morbidity, or hospital stay. After adjustment for confounding factors, operative time was positively correlated with BMI ≥30 kg/m2, learning curve, estimated blood loss, 2D laparoscopy, and specimen size.

CONCLUSION

Lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe in patients with a BMI 30-35 kg/m2, so these patients also benefit from this minimally invasive surgery.

Robot-assisted adrenalectomy: state of the art

Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is worldwide considered the gold standard technique. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches have proved their efficacy with excellent outcomes. Since the introduction of da Vinci System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), robotic surgery has made many steps forward gaining progressively more diffusion in the field of general and endocrine surgery. The robotic technique offers advantages to overcome some laparoscopic shortcomings (rigid instruments, loss of 3D vision, unstable camera). Indeed, the robotic system is provided of stereoscopic 3D-magnified vision, additional degree of freedom, tremor-filtering technology and a stable camera. Recently, several case series have demonstrated the feasibility and the safety of robot-assisted adrenalectomy in high-volume centers with outcomes comparable to laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Notwithstanding, the technical advantages of the robotic system have not yet demonstrated significant improvements in terms of outcomes to undermine laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Moreover, robotic adrenalectomy harbor inherits drawbacks, such as longer operative time and elevated costs, that limit its use. In particular, the high cost associated with the use of the robotic system is primarily related to the purchase and the maintenance of the unit, the high instruments cost and the longer operative time. Notably, these aspects make robotic adrenalectomy up to 2.3 times more costly than laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This literature review summarizes the current available studies and provides an overview about the robotic scenario including applicability, technical details and surgical outcomes.

Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay after laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopy is the standard technique for resecting adrenal tumors, but short-term outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) vary widely between centers. We aimed to identify factors associated with LOS after lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTLA). We analyzed consecutive patients undergoing unilateral LTLA between April 2003 and April 2020. Prolonged LOS was defined as a stay longer than the 75th percentile of the overall cohort. To identify potential factors associated with prolonged LOS, we compared collected data from patients with LOS ≤ 2 days versus LOS > 2 days and elaborated multivariate logistic regression models. We included 150 patients (73 men and 77 women, median age 54 years), with benign (n = 128) and malignant tumors (n = 22). The median LOS after LTLA was 2 days; 64 (42.7%) patients had prolonged hospitalization. Variables significantly associated with prolonged LOS in the univariate analysis included ASA III + IV (p = 0.016), pheochromocytoma (p < 0.001), learning curve (p = 0.032), surgery on Thursday or Friday (p < 0.001), 2D laparoscopy (p = 0.003), operative time (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), drainage (p < 0.001), specimen size (p = 0.011), conversions (p = 0.002), complications (p = 0.019), and hospital stay (p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient, surgical, and tumor characteristics, risk factors associated with prolonged LOS in the multivariate analysis were specimen size > 9 cm (OR:13.03, p = 0.005), surgery on Thursday or Friday (OR:6.92, p = 0.001), estimated blood loss ≥ 60 ml (OR:6.22, p = 0.021), and drainage (OR:5.29, p = 0.005). Prolonged length of stay after LTLA was associated with specimen size > 9 cm, operating on Thursday or Friday, estimated blood loss ≥ 60 mL, and drainage.

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.

Comparison between retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Are both equally safe?

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Compare the rates of major intra- and postoperative complications, surgical conversion and mortality between transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a series of 344 consecutive unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomies, performed from January 1997 to December 2017, we evaluated the rates of major intra- and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo≥III) and surgical conversion of the two approaches.

RESULTS

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic route was used in 259 patients (67.3%) and the transperitoneal laparoscopic route in 85 patients (22.1%). A total of 12 (3.5%) major postoperative complications occurred, with no statistically significant difference between the two approaches (P=0.7). In univariate analysis, the only predictor of major postoperative complication was Cushing's syndrome (P=0.03). The surgical conversion rate was higher in the transperitoneal route group (10/85 (11.8%) compared to 6/259 (2.3%), P=0.0003) in the retroperitoneal route group. One death occurred in each group. Independent predictors of surgical conversion in multivariate analysis included the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-1.9, P=0.02), advanced age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.6, P=0.04) and large tumor size (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7, P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches for laparoscopic adrenalectomy are safe, with an equivalent rate of major complications and mortality. The surgical conversion rate was higher for the transperitoneal route. The retroperitoneal approach should be reserved for small adrenal lesions.

Not all laparoscopic adrenalectomies are equal: analysis of postoperative outcomes based on tumor functionality

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is known to have a low complication rate; however, the influence of functional tumor subtype on postoperative outcomes is not well defined.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign adrenal tumors between 2009 and 2017 were selected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patient demographics, postoperative outcomes, and length of stay were compared between tumor subtypes.

RESULTS

A total of 3946 patients underwent a laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the study period; 3214 (81.5%) were performed for non-functional adenomas, and 732 (18.6%) for functional tumors-467 (64%) aldosteronomas, 184 (25%) cortisol-producing adenomas, and 81 (11%) pheochromocytomas. The risk of any complication was highest for patients with Cushing's (6.5%) and lowest with Conn's syndrome (1.1%) compared to other lesions (3.7% pheochromocytoma, 5.3% adenoma, p < 0.001). Among the patients with functional tumors, those with cortisol-producing adenomas had the highest rates of both deep surgical site infection (1.6%, p = 0.026) and urinary tract infection (2.2%, p = 0.029), whereas myocardial infarction was most prevalent in patients with pheochromocytoma (2.5%, p = 0.012). When adjusted for demographic differences, BMI, and comorbidity scores, no tumor type was associated with increased complication rate; instead aldosteronoma (vs. benign adenoma) was independently predictive of fewer adverse events [0.3 (95% CI 0.1-0.7), p = 0.004] and a shorter length of hospital stay [0.6 (95% CI 0.4-0.8), p = 0.001]. The overall mortality rate was low at 0.4%, although significantly higher in Cushing's patients (2.2%, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe operation with low mortality and complication rates. However, postoperative risks differ between tumor subtype, so patients should be counseled accordingly.

Robotic adrenalectomy: evaluation of cost-effectiveness

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the preferred treatment option for adrenal lesions, considering the improved patients outcomes, due to the reduced postoperative morbidity and postoperative pain, the faster recovery and the shorter length of hospital stay. The widespread diffusion of robotic technology led to the development and standardization of robot-assisted approach to adrenalectomy. However, to date, no clear benefit from the use of the robot-assisted approach has been found. The higher costs remain an important drawback and limit the implementation of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) programs. This review summarizes the current available data regarding RA including its operative outcomes, advantages and drawbacks in comparison with conventional LA, evaluating its cost-effectiveness.

Adrenalectomy during pregnancy: A 15-year experience at a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Adrenal lesions diagnosed during pregnancy remain rare, and their management is challenging because of maternal physiologic modifications, restricted imaging investigations, and contraindications to several treatments. Surgical issues of adrenalectomy during pregnancy and consequences on perinatal outcomes are poorly described. We therefore aimed to report maternal and fetal outcomes after adrenalectomy during pregnancy.

METHODS

All pregnant women who underwent adrenalectomy over a 15-year inclusion period were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Surgical management and maternal and fetal outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

From January 2003 to July 2018, a total of 12 women underwent adrenalectomy at a median gestation of 20 weeks. Of these women, 11 had hyper-secreting lesions, including 8 with cortisol oversecretion, and 11 had benign lesions, including cortisol-secreting adenoma (n = 5), pheochromocytoma (n = 2), primary pigmented, nodular adrenal disease (n = 1), severe Cushing's disease (n = 2), and hematoma (n = 1). A total of 3 patients with severe Cushing's disease (n = 2) and primary pigmented, nodular adrenal disease (n = 1) required bilateral adrenalectomy. One patient presented with a malignant adrenal Ewing sarcoma. Adrenalectomy during pregnancy was performed by the lateral laparoscopic transabdominal laparoscopic route in 9 patients. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 3 women. Maternal mortality was nil, but preterm birth occurred in 7 cases and intrauterine growth retardation was observed in 3 cases. Finally, among the 12 women, 10 had a child in good health.

CONCLUSION

During pregnancy, a lateral laparoscopic transabdominal approach is a feasible procedure. Maternal outcome is acceptable but fetal outcome is determined by the underlying disease, with a worse outcome when the adrenalectomy is indicated for malignant lesions or Cushing's syndrome.

A Close Encounter - Left Pneumonia and Pancreatic Tail Fistula after Laparoscopic Left Adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is currently considered the gold standard for adrenal tumors up to 6 cm, and although with far less morbidity than the open alternative, when it comes to its complications we should not look away. The case concerns a 51-year old obese male that underwent left laparoscopic adrenalectomy for incidentaloma and developed pancreatic tail fistula. Without an evident pancreatic lesion during surgery and an uneventful early postoperative course the patient was discharged only to return 4 days later with respiratory symptoms and mild abdominal discomfort in the left upper quadrant. The CT scan diagnosed a left subphrenic fluid collection and left basal pneumonia, thus the patient underwent laparoscopic reintervention for drainage of the pancreatic fluid collection and received conventional antibiotherapy for pneumonia. The patient was discharged in good condition with the drainage tube in situ. The drainage tube was extracted 14 days later.

Outcomes of surgery for benign and malignant adrenal disease from the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons' national registry

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the indications, procedures and outcomes for adrenal surgery from the UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery database from 2005 to 2017, and compared outcomes between benign and malignant disease.

METHODS

Data on adrenalectomies were extracted from a national surgeon-reported registry. Preoperative diagnosis, surgical technique, length of hospital stay, morbidity and in-hospital mortality were examined.

RESULTS

Some 3994 adrenalectomies were registered among patients with a median age of 54 (i.q.r. 43-65) years (55·9 per cent female). Surgery was performed for benign disease in 81·5 per cent. Tumour size was significantly greater in malignant disease: 60 (i.q.r. 34-100) versus 40 (24-55) mm (P < 0·001). A minimally invasive approach was employed in 90·2 per cent of operations for benign disease and 48·2 per cent for cancer (P < 0·001). The conversion rate was 3·5-fold higher in malignant disease (17·3 versus 4·7 per cent; P < 0·001). The length of hospital stay was 3 (i.q.r. 2-5) days for benign disease and 5 (3-8) days for malignant disease (P < 0·050). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for morbidity were malignant disease (odds ratio (OR) 1·69, 1·22 to 2·36; P = 0·002), tumour size larger than 60 mm (OR 1·43, 1·04 to 1·98; P = 0·028) and conversion to open surgery (OR 3·48, 2·16 to 5·61; P < 0·001). The in-hospital mortality rate was below 0·5 per cent overall, but significantly higher in the setting of malignant disease (1·2 versus 0·2 per cent; P < 0·001). Malignant disease (OR 4·88, 1·17 to 20·34; P = 0·029) and tumour size (OR 7·47, 1·52 to 39·61; P = 0·014) were independently associated with mortality in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Adrenalectomy is a safe procedure but the higher incidence of open surgery for malignant disease appears to influence postoperative outcomes.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

In the last three decades, endoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of most adrenal diseases. Gagner et al., first reported in 1992, the lateral trans-abdominal laparoscopic approach to adrenalectomy. Afterwards, several retrospective and comparative studies addressed the advantages of minimally invasive adrenalectomy specifically consistent in less postoperative pain, improved patients' satisfaction, shorter hospital stay and recovery time when compared to open adrenalectomy. The lateral transabdominal approach to the adrenals is currently one of the most widely used, since it allows an optimal comprehensive view of the adrenal region and surrounding structures, and provides and adequate working space. On the other hand, from a technical point of view, essential requirements for a successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy are an appropriate knowledge of retroperitoneal anatomy, a gentle tissue manipulation and a precise haemostasis technique in order to identify appropriately the structures of interest and avoid the troublesome 'oozing' that could complicate the surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: preoperative data, surgical technique and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard treatment for adrenal lesions. The better clinical outcoms of laparoscopic technique are valid for treatment of small benign masses (< 5-6 cm), instead there are still open questions in literature regarding the correct management of larger lesions (> 6 cm) or in case of potentially malignant adrenal tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a referral surgical department for endocrine surgery.

METHODS

at the University Hospital Policlinico "P. Giaccone" of Palermo between January 2010 and December 2017 we performed a total of 81 laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We created a retrospective database with analysis of patients data, morphologic and hormonal characteristics of adrenal lesions, surgical procedures and postoperative results with histological diagnosis and complications.

RESULTS

Mean size of adrenal neoplasm was 7,5 cm (range 1.5 to 18 cm). The mean operative time was 145 min (range 75-240). In statistical analysis lenght of surgery was correlated to the lesion diameter (p < 0.05) but not with pre-operative features or histological results. 5 intraoperative complications occurred. Among these patients 4 presented bleeding and 1 a diaphagmatic lesion. No conversion to open surgery was necessary and no intraoperative blood transfusion were required. Mean estimated blood loss was 95 ml (range 50-350). There was no capsular disruption during adrenal dissection. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 3-6 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure with low rate of morbidity. An accurate preoperative radiological examination is fundamental to obtain a stringent patients selection. The lesion diameter is related to longer operative time and appeares as the main predictive parameter of intraoperative complications but these results are not statistically significant. On the other side secreting adrenal tumors require more attention in operative management without increased rate of postoperative complications.

Risk Factors Associated With Perioperative Complications and Prolonged Length of Stay After Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

Importance

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for most adrenal disorders and its frequency in the United States is increasing. While national and administrative databases can adjust for patient factors, comorbidities, and institutional variations, granular disease-specific data that may significantly influence the incidence of perioperative complications and length of stay (LOS) are lacking.

Objective

To investigate factors associated with perioperative complications and LOS after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was carried out at a single academic medical center, with all patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 1993 and 2017 by the endocrine surgery department. Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was perioperative complications with a Dindo-Clavien grade of 2 or more. The secondary outcome was prolonged length of stay, defined as a stay longer than the 75th percentile of the overall cohort.

Results

We identified 640 patients who underwent 653 laparoscopic adrenalectomies, of whom 370 (56.7%) were female. The median age was 51 (range, 5-88) years. A total of 76 complications with a Dindo-Clavien grade of 2 or more occurred in 55 patients (8.4%), with postoperative mortality in 2 patients (0.3%). The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range, 0-32 days). Factors independently associated with increased complications were American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 1.39-5.55]; P < .01), diabetes (OR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.14-5.01]; P = .02), conversion to hand-assisted or open surgery (OR, 5.32 [95% CI, 1.84-15.41]; P < .01), a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (OR, 4.31 [95% CI, 1.43-13.05]; P = .01), and a tumor size of 6 cm or greater (OR, 2.47 [95% CI, 1.05-5.78]; P = .04). Prolonged length of stay was associated with age 65 years or older (OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.31-4.57]; P = .01), an American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (OR, 3.48 [95% CI, 1.88-6.41]; P < .01), any procedural conversion (OR, 63.28 [95% CI, 12.53-319.59]; P < .01), and a tumor size of 4 cm or larger (4-6 cm: OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.21-4.67]; P = .01; ≥6 cm: OR, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.12-5.40]; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy remains safe for most adrenal disorders. Patient comorbidities, adrenal pathology, and tumor size are associated with the risk of complications and length of stay and should all be considered in selecting and preparing patients for surgery.

Lateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with previous abdominal surgery - single-center experience

Introduction

Lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy (LTA) is the most common minimally invasive technique used to treat patients with adrenal tumors.

Aim

To analyze intra-operative and post-operative complications and reasons for conversion to open surgery in patients who underwent LTA and had previous abdominal surgery.

Material and methods

Five hundred and nineteen patients underwent LTA in our center between 2005 and 2016. We identified a study group of 150 patients, with previous abdominal surgery. We analyzed the frequency of intra-operative and post-operative complications and the reasons for conversion from laparoscopic to open adrenalectomy.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 58; they underwent LTA due to hormonally active tumors (n = 79, 53%) and non-functioning adrenal tumors (n = 71, 47%). The size of adrenal lesions ranged from 20 mm to 90 mm. Seventy-eight (52%) adrenal lesions were found in the right adrenal gland, and 72 (48%) lesions in the left adrenal gland. The mean operating time was 130 min. The mean stay in hospital was five days. The intra-operative complications included blood pressure fluctuations (n = 32), abnormal vascular supply of the adrenal glands causing difficulties with dissections (n = 3), and respiratory problems (n = 1). Two (1.3%) patients had post-operative bleeding at the site of removed adrenal glands; 1 patient had an exacerbation of asthma postoperatively. Of the 150 patients analyzed, 3 (2%) required conversion to open adrenalectomy. The conversions were not caused by abdominal adhesions.

Conclusions

Lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy is feasible and safe in patients with previous abdominal surgery. In our study, conversion from laparoscopic to open adrenalectomy was not caused by abdominal adhesions.

Surgical management of large adrenal tumors: impact of different laparoscopic approaches and resection methods on perioperative and long-term outcomes

Background

The indication of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) was extended with the retroperitoneal approach and has been wildly accepted and technologically matured. However, the management of large adrenal tumors via this approach still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis on the minimally invasive surgical management of larger adrenal tumors.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with large adrenal tumors (> 5 cm) and 97 patients with smaller adrenal tumors (< 5 cm) were enrolled in this study. The patient characteristics were preferentially analyzed. The intra-operative and postoperative indicators were compared between those who underwent RLA and those who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA); the intra-operative and postoperative indicators were also compared between the large tumor group and smaller tumor group of those who underwent RLA. Furthermore, the analyses of partial RLA were focused on the perioperative indicators and follow-up results.

Results

RLA was superior to TLA in terms of operation time (98.71 ± 32.30 min vs. 124.36 ± 34.62 min, respectively, P = 0.001), hospitalization duration (7.43 ± 2.82 days vs. 8.91 ± 3.40 days, respectively, P = 0.04), duration of drain (4.83 ± 0.37 days vs. 3.94 ± 2.21 days, respectively, P = 0.02), first oral intake (2.82 ± 0.71 days vs. 1.90 ± 0.83 days, respectively, P < 0.001) and time to ambulation (3.89 ± 1.64 days vs. 2.61 ± 1.42 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Further analyses of the RLA patients demonstrated that the larger tumor (> 5 cm) group showed superior results for the intraoperative indicators than the smaller tumor (< 5 cm) group (P < 0.05), while the results for the postoperative indicators between the two tumor size groups were similar (P > 0.05). Data confirmed that the partial resection method was superior to the total resection method from the perspective of the hormone supplement (0% vs. 48.15%, P = 0.002). The 2-year recurrence-free rates were 92.60 and 92.86% for the total and partial RLA resection methods, respectively (P = 0.97). The partial RLA resection method had a similar complete remission rate as the total RLA resection method (96.30% vs. 100%, respectively, P = 0.47).

Conclusion

Both RLA and TLA seem to provide similar effects for the surgical management of large adrenal tumors. However, partial RLA resection should be considered for the management of benign tumors to reduce the hormone supplement.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12894-018-0349-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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).

Lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for complicated adrenal tumor larger than 5 centimeters

BACKGROUND

The role of lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (LRA) for complicated tumor with large diameter remains controversial, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure on the management of tumor larger than 5cm in diameter.

METHODS

A retrospective comparison was conducted of 67 patients with large complicated adrenal tumor (>5cm). 41 patients received LRA, and 26 received open adrenalectomy (OA) in our hospital between January 2011 and June 2015. Basic characteristics regarding mean age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, tumor side, previous abdominal surgery, resection method, pathology were preferentially analyzed. Operative indicators regarding operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), conversion to ICU, complications, post-operative hospitalization, duration of drain, time to first oral intake and ambulation were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the basic characteristics. The mean operation time for LRA was shorter than OA (98.7±32.3 min vs 152.7±72.3 min, P = 0.001). EBL was 31.9±20.0 ml for LRA and 590.0±1181.1 ml for OA (P = 0.03). There was no complication in LRA group and one patient in OA group had complications, but this difference was not significant (P = NS). The post-operative hospitalization in LRA was 7.4±2.8 days, and shorter than 9.8±2.7 days in OA group (P = 0.00). The time to first oral intake and ambulation for LRA was shorter than OA (first oral intake, 1.9±0.8 days vs 3.1±1.3 days, P = 0.00; time to ambulation, 2.6±1.4 days vs 4.2±1.6 days, P = 0.00). While the difference between groups were not significant in terms of ICU conversion (3/41 vs 4/26, P = NS) and duration of drain (3.9±2.2 days vs 4.7±1.9 days, P = NS).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that LRA can be performed safely and effectively for complicated adrenal tumors larger than 5 cm in diameter, but it remains technically demanding.

Risk factors for complications after adrenalectomy: results from a comprehensive national database

PURPOSE

Most knowledge regarding outcome after adrenal surgery stems from retrospective studies reported by highly specialized centres. The aim of this study was to report a national experience of adrenalectomy with particular attention to predictive factors for postoperative complications, conversion from endoscopic to open surgery and length of hospital stay.

METHODS

Adrenalectomies reported in the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery (SQRTPA) 2009-2014 were included. Risk factors for complications, conversion and hospital stay >3 days were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 659 operations. Endoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 513 (77.8%) operations and almost half of these were robotic assisted. The median length of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-30) days. There was no 30-day mortality. In 43 (6.6%) patients, at least one complication was registered. The only factor associated with complications in multivariable analysis was conversion to open surgery odds ratio (OR) 3.61 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 12.12). The risk for conversion was associated with tumour size OR 1.03 (1.00 to 1.06) and with malignancy on histopathology OR 8.33 (2.12 to 32.07). Length of hospital stay increased in patients with operation of bilateral tumours OR 3.13, left-sided tumours OR 1.98, hyper secretion of catecholamines OR 2.32, conversion to open surgery OR 42.05 and open surgery OR 115.18.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that endoscopic surgery is widely used. Complications were associated with conversion and the risk for conversion was associated with tumour size and malignant tumour. Hospital stay was short.

Abdominal tuberculosis that masked under the early postoperative septic complications

INTRODUCTION

At the same time even laparoscopic adrenalectomy can become the source or the causing factor of a number of complications. In the following report we present the clinic case of diagnostic complications during postsurgical period of "rapid" development and signs of tuberculosis after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient underwent ultrasonography and CT was found out: the tumor of right adrenal gland. Operational treatment: right laparoscopy adrenalectomy. Pathologistological conclusion: clear cell adenoma. On the fourth day there was a high temperature rise noted 38-39°C. On the 10th day the CT, where there were no signs of free liquid abscess formation. Relaparoscopic: small amount of serous-hemorrhagic liquid in small pelvis, hyperemated peritoneum, in both - left and right liver lobes tight knots of white color. After, the patient still had hyperthermia 38°C. Phthisiatrician consulted the patient and diagnosed abdominal tuberculosis. After six-month treatment the patient in satisfactory condition was discharged home.

DISCUSSION

But in case of our patient's case such visual diagnostic methods, such as CT and ultrasonography of abdominal cavity appeared to be non-informative in lymph system diagnostics due to the number of reasons.The described clinical case and literature data prove the fact, that crucial in abdominal tuberculosis form management treatment is a diagnostic laparoscopy with tissue biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Labors, as well as adrenalectomy are possible factors which decrease the immunity and can cause the activation of tuberculosis process. Diagnostic laparoscopy and intraoperative histological tissue study of abdominal cavity are the main points in prescribing diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis form.

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 for Large Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Background:

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare disease that is difficult to treat. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is performed, even for large adrenocortical carcinomas. However, the oncological effectiveness of LA remains unclear. This review presents the current knowledge of the feasibility and oncological effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery for ACC, with an analysis of data for outcomes and other parameters.

Database:

A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching the PubMed and Medline databases for all relevant articles in English, published between January 1992 and August 2014 on LA for adrenocortical carcinoma.

Discussion:

The search resulted in retrieval of 29 studies, of which 10 addressed the outcome of LA versus open adrenalectomy (OA) and included 844 patients eligible for this review. Among these, 206 patients had undergone LA approaches, and 638 patients had undergone OA. Among the 10 studies that compared the outcomes obtained with LA and OA for ACC, 5 noted no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the oncological outcomes of recurrence and disease-free survival, whereas the remaining 5 reported inferior outcomes in the LA group. Using a paired t test for statistical analysis, except for tumor size, we found no significant difference in local recurrence, peritoneal carcinomatosis, positive resection margin, and time to recurrence between the LA and OA groups. The overall mean tumor size in patients undergoing LA and OA was 7.1 and 11.2 cm, respectively (P = .0003), and the mean overall recurrence was 61.5 and 57.9%, respectively. The outcome of LA is believed to depend to a large extent on the size and stage of the lesion (I and II being favorable) and the surgical expertise in the center where the patient undergoes the operation. However, the present review shows no difference in the outcome between the 2 approaches across all stages. A poor outcome is likely to result from inadequate surgery, irrespective of whether the approach is open or laparoscopic.

[Complications of minimally invasive adrenalectomy]

Over the last decade minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the gold standard in adrenal surgery. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the patient in the lateral decubitus position and posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy have gained worldwide acceptance. In this overview the complications of minimally invasive adrenalectomy are analyzed based on the published data. Die incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications ranges from 0 % to 15 % for unilateral adrenalectomy and rises up to 23 % for bilateral surgery. No significant differences were found between laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic operations. Nevertheless, splenic injuries and intra-abdominal abscesses are reported only after laparoscopic procedures, while relaxation and/or hypoesthesia of the abdominal wall are typical for posterior retroperitoneoscopic surgery. Conversion to open surgery significantly influences the rate of perioperative and postoperative complications (odds ratio 6.2); therefore, high surgeon and center case volume could improve the results of adrenal surgery.

Applicability of laparoscopic approach to the resection of large adrenal tumours: a retrospective cohort study on 200 patients

BACKGROUND

Controversies exist in the best surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopy) to large adrenal tumours without peri-operative evidence of primary carcinoma, mainly due to possible capsular disruption of an unsuspected malignancy. In addition, intra-operative blood loss, conversion rate, operative time, and hospital stay may be increased with laparoscopy.

THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY WERE

(1) to compare clinical outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large versus small adrenal tumours and (2) to identify risk factors associated with increased operative time and hospital stay in laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

METHODS

This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study in a large patient population (N = 200) who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in 2004-2014 at three Italian academic hospitals. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to tumour size: "large" tumours were defined as ≥5 cm (N = 50) and "small" tumours as <5 cm (N = 150). Further analysis adopting a ≥8 cm (N = 15) cut-off size was performed.

RESULTS

The study groups were comparable in age and gender distribution as well as their tumour characteristics. The operative time (p = 0.671), conversion rate (p = 0.488), intra- (p = 0.876) and post-operative (p = 0.639) complications, and hospital stay (p = 0.229) were similar between groups. With a cut-off size ≥5 cm, the early study period (2004-2009), which included operators' learning curve, was associated with increased risk of longer operative time (HR 0.57; 95 % CI 0.40-0.82), while American Society of Anaesthesiology score ≥3 was associated with prolonged hospital stay (HR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.47-0.97). Tumour size ≥8 cm was associated with prolonged operative time (HR 0.47; 95 % CI 0.24-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons skilled in advanced laparoscopy and adrenal surgery can perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy safely in patients with ≥5-cm tumours with no increase in hospital stay, or conversion rate, although operative time may be increased for ≥8-cm tumours. Surgeon' experience, size ≥8 cm, and patient comorbidities have the largest impact on operative time and length of hospital stay in laparoscopic large adrenal tumour resection.

Intraoperative laparoscopic complications for urological cancer procedures

AIM: To structure the rate of intraoperative complications that requires an intraoperative or perioperative resolution.

METHODS: We perform a literature review of Medline database. The research was focused on intraoperative laparoscopic procedures inside the field of urological oncology. General rate of perioperative complications in laparoscopic urologic surgery is described to be around 12.4%. Most of the manuscripts published do not make differences between pure intraoperative, intraoperative with postoperative consequences and postoperative complications.

RESULTS: We expose a narrative statement of complications, possible solutions and possible preventions for most frequent retroperitoneal and pelvic laparoscopic surgery. We expose the results with the following order: retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery (radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy and adrenalectomy) and pelvic laparoscopic surgery (radical prostatectomy and radical cystectomy).

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative complications vary from different series. More scheduled reports should be done in order to better understand the real rates of complications.

Complications associated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Description and standardized assessment

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the procedure of choice for surgical management of the adrenal masses. Our objective is to show a standardized assessment of perioperative complications in one LA series.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

322 LA were performed consecutively between June of 1993 and September of 2012 in patients diagnosed with suprarenal tumour. In order to evaluate perioperative complications, data were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. Intraoperative complications were defined using Satava classification and Clavien-Dindo classification of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty five LA showed perioperative complications (7.3%); 11 (3.2%) were intraoperative complications, most of them vascular diaphragmatic lesions (Satava Grade 2); and 14 (4.1%) were postoperative complications. Six patients showed complications requiring surgery (Clavien IIIa/IIIb) and/or support in Intensive Care Unit (Clavien IV). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one case (.3%). Despite all appropriate preoperative endocrine measures were taken, an uncontrolled hypertensive crisis and cardio-respiratory arrest recovered were developed during surgery in one patient carrier of pheochromocytoma who died from massive cerebral infarction at 5 days (Clavien V).

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized criteria of surgical complications are necessary. Standardization is possible by combined application of two tools. We believe that this evaluation concept of the surgery morbidity must be used systematically in order to achieve a new standard refined, concise and comparative for reports of adverse perioperative events.

Factors influencing outcomes in laparoscopic adrenal surgery

PURPOSE

This study aims to recognize factors affecting operative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed by using the transabdominal approach.

METHODS

From a prospectively collected adrenal database, we performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy from July 2002 to December 2011. The outcome measures considered were the following: conversion rate, intra- and postoperative complications, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and return-to-work time. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, characteristics of adrenal tumor, and operative and postoperative variables were analyzed to assess their influence on the outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 163 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were included. Intraoperative complications, conversion to laparotomy, and postoperative complications were observed in 6.7, 6.1, and 1.8 % of cases, respectively. Conversion to open surgery, intraoperative complications, metastasis, and pheochromocytoma were found to be predictive factors for operative time of >140 min. An operative duration of >140 min was associated with intraoperative complications. Tumor size, intraoperative complications, and adrenalectomy for metastasis significantly increased conversion rate. Hospital stay was extended by operative time of >140 min, conversion to laparotomy, and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights that simple clinical variables, long procedures, and operative complications have a negative impact on procedural outcomes. Based on this, it may be possible to predict cases requiring collaboration with experienced surgeons in order to minimize perioperative morbidity.