Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large unilateral pheochromocytoma: experience in a large academic medical center

The role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the treatment of large pheochromocytomas (>6 cm): a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) under different routes for the treatment of large pheochromocytomas (PCCs) is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This meta-analysis and systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) Guidelines. Three databases were systematically searched, including Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science. The time frame of the search was set from the creation of the database to October 2022. Perioperative outcomes were divided into two groups according to tumor size: SMALL group (≤6 cm in diameter), LARGE group (>6 cm in diameter).

RESULTS

Eight studies including 600 patients were included. In the LA group, complications was comparable in both groups (SMALL group and LARGE group), and the LARGE group had longer operative time [OT weighted mean difference (WMD)=32.55; 95% CI: 11.17, 53.92; P <0.01], length of stay (LOS WMD=0.82; 95% CI: 0.19, 1.44; P <0.05), more estimated blood loss (EBL WMD=85.26; 95% CI: 20.71, 149.82; P <0.05), hypertension [odds ratio (OR)=3.99; 95% CI: 1.84, 8.65; P <0.01], hypotension (OR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.05; P <0.05), and conversion (OR=5.60; 95% CI: 1.56, 20.13; P <0.01). In the transabdominal LA group, OT, LOS, EBL, complications, hypertension, and hypotension were the same in both groups. In the retroperitoneal LA group, complications and hypotension were the same in both groups, while the LARGE group had longer OT (WMD=52.07; 95% CI: 26.95, 77.20; P <0.01), LOS (WMD=0.51; 95% CI: 0.00, 1.01; P <0.05), more EBL (WMD=92.99; 95% CI: 27.70, 158.28; P <0.01) and higher rates of hypertension (OR=6.03; 95% CI: 1.95, 18.61; P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

LA remains a safe and effective approach for large PCC. Transabdominal LA is superior to retroperitoneal LA.

Surgical treatment of large pheochromocytoma (>6 cm): A 10-year single-center experience

Objective

Clinical practice guidelines recommend open adrenalectomy (OA) for large pheochromocytoma (LPCC) > 6 cm in size. Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for the treatment of LPCC has been reported, its role remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of LA and OA, and summary the surgical treatment experience.

Methods

Data concerning LPCC, from January 2010 to June 2019 of a single institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Altogether 82 patients with a tumor larger than 6 cm were included (52 patients in LA group and 30 patients in OA group). Groups were balanced by propensity score matching (PSM) into 15 pairs. Patients’ demographics, preoperative characteristics, and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Before PSM, the OA group had larger tumor sizes (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 8.9 [7.3–10.3] vs. 7.2 [6.7–8.0] cm; p=0.000) and higher vanillylmandelic acid level (median [IQR]: 114.3 [67.8–326.4] vs. 66.6 [37.8–145.8] μmol/24 h; p =0.004) and needed a higher cumulative dose of prazosin (median [IQR]: 83.5 [37.0–154.0] vs. 38.0 [21.0–81.0] mg; p=0.028). After PSM, the baseline data showed no significant differences between both groups. The LA group had relatively more stable blood pressure in surgery, with a lower fluctuation of systolic blood pressure (mean±standard deviation [SD]: 70.9±25.1 vs. 107.4±46.2 mmHg, p=0.012) and a lower percentage of hemodynamic instability (46.7% vs. 86.7%, p=0.020). The LA group had shorter postoperative hospital stays (mean±SD: 6.4±2.7 vs. 10.1±3.4 days; p=0.003) than the OA group. Differences regarding metastasis rate (6.7% vs. 0, p=1.000) were not statistically significant between LA and OA groups. The median (IQR) follow-up time of 82 patients was 72.5 (47.0–103.5) months. Binary logistic regression showed that right-side tumors or those >8 cm in size were independent risk factors of OA.

Conclusion

LA is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for LPCC and has relatively better perioperative characteristics in large medical centers. Patients with tumors on the right side or larger than 8 cm are more likely to undergo OA initially.

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytoma: not recommendable yet? Results from a single institution case series

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy represents the treatment of choice of pheochromocytoma (PCC). For large or invasive PCCs, an open approach is currently recommended, in order to ensure complete tumor resection, prevent tumor rupture, avoid local recurrence, and limit perioperative hemodynamic instability. The aim of this study is to analyze perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomies (LAs) for large adrenal PCCs.

METHODS

All consecutive LAs for PCC performed at a single institution between 1998 and 2020 were included. Two groups were defined: lesions larger (group 1) and smaller (group 2) than 5 cm. Short-term outcomes were compared in order to find any significant difference between the two groups.

OUTCOMES

One hundred fourteen patients underwent LA during the study period: 46 for lesions larger and 68 for lesions smaller than 5 cm. No significant differences were found in patients' characteristics, median operative time, conversion rate, intraoperative hemodynamic and metabolic parameters, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, complications rate, and length of hospital stay. Long-term oncologic outcomes were similar, with a recurrence rate of 5.1% in group 1 vs 3.6% in group 2 (p = 1).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy seems to be safe and effective even in large PCC. The recommendation to prefer an open approach for large PCCs should probably be reconsidered.

Comparison of the retroperitoneal versus Transperitoneal laparoscopic Adrenalectomy perioperative outcomes and safety for Pheochromocytoma: a meta-analysis

Background

To compare the perioperative outcomes and safety of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy with those of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients with pheochromocytoma.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register for studies from 1999 to 2019 to assess the perioperative outcomes and safety of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and the retroperitoneal approach for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with pheochromocytoma. After data extraction and quality assessments, we used RevMan 5.2 to pool the data.

Results

Four retrospective studies were obtained in our meta-analysis. Patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy were associated with shorter operative time (WMD: 34.91, 95% CI: 27.02 to 42.80, I2 = 15%; p < 0.01), less intraoperative blood loss (WMD: 139.32, 95% CI: 125.38 to 153.26, I2 = 0, p < 0.01), and a shorter hospital stay (WMD: 2, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.82, I2 = 82%, p < 0.01) than patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. No significant differences were found in the complication rate (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 0.58 to 4.33, I² = 0; p = 0.38) or in the incidence of hemodynamic crisis (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.19 to 2.94, p = 0.67) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy could achieve better perioperative outcomes than the transperitoneal approach for patients with pheochromocytoma.

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytoma: Comparative outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate operative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy through a transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach for large (>5 cm in diameter) pheochromocytomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the results of a transperitoneal approach with those of a retroperitoneal approach in 22 patients (mean age 57.5 years, range 38-76 years) with unilateral large pheochromocytomas (12 right, 10 left). The mean body mass index, operation time, pneumoperitoneum time, estimated blood loss, fluctuation in blood pressure and complication rate were compared between the two approaches.

RESULTS

The mean tumor diameter (range) was 7.0 cm (range 5.2-15.5 cm), and no significant differences were observed between the transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach in any baseline clinical parameter. For right-sided procedures, significant differences were found for operation time (113 vs 85 min), pneumoperitoneum time (93 vs 64 min) and estimated blood loss (96 vs 23 mL; P < 0.05, transperitoneal approach and retroperitoneal approach, respectively). No open conversion or recurrence was reported, but one right transperitoneal approach case required blood transfusion. No difference in these parameters was noted on the left side.

CONCLUSIONS

For right side procedures, the retroperitoneal approach is feasible, safer and faster than the transperitoneal approach for large pheochromocytomas. Early transection of the feeding artery is beneficial for managing the tumor and reducing the risk of bleeding.

[A CASE OF TEMPORARY CARDIAC ARREST FOLLOWING SUDDEN FLUCTUATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER INITIATION OF PNEUMOPERITONEUM IN LAPAROSCOPIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA]

A 75-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a complaint of difficulty swallowing and was diagnosed with left medullary infarction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right adrenal tumor, 4 cm in size, and a left adrenal tumor, 1.6 cm in size. Abnormally high concentrations of serum catecholamine and urinary total metanephrine were also observed. In addition, ¹³¹I-MIBG scintigraphy revealed an abnormal accumulation of ¹³¹I in both tumors, which comprehensively led to the diagnosis of bilateral pheochromocytoma. Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was planned first. After initiating pneumoperitoneum, the systolic blood pressure rose to 270 mmHg. Pneumoperitoneum was suspended briefly, and once resumed, the patient's blood pressure dropped gradually and was followed by cardiac arrest. A decision was made to interrupt surgery and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Once blood pressure stabilized above 160 mmHg, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit with intubation. Subsequently, blood pressure was controlled to around 140 mmHg. He was discharged on the eleventh day after surgery without any major complications. Currently, he is being managed with more aggressive antihypertensive drug treatment.

The Pathologic Point of View of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in the Era of Radiologic Imaging: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION/AIM

This study aimed to determine if laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is feasible for the treatment of adrenal malignancies and metastasis, and to review the final pathology findings in order to clarify the indications for surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The medical records of all patients that underwent LA at 3 university hospitals between January 1, 2008, and May 1, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In total, 189 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were completed successfully. Mean duration of surgery was 79.3 ± 38.6 min and mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was 39.9 ml. Intraoperatively, 4 patients had major complications: spleen injury (n = 1), renal vein injury (n = 2) and diaphragm injury (n = 2). Histopathological examination showed that there were 20 different types of lesions. Surgical margins (SMs) were tumor free in 95.2% of the patients. Moreover, SMs were tumor free in all patients with adrenocortical carcinomas; however, positive margins were noted in 7 of 23 patients (30.4%) with malignant adrenal tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings support the use of laparoscopy for metastatic adrenal masses, despite a high positive margin rate. LA is a safe, feasible and cost-effective procedure for the management of benign and malignant adrenal masses.

The effect of surgical treatment of phaeochromocytoma on concomitant arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a single-centre retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Phaeochromocytoma is one of the numerous causes of secondary hypertension. Furthermore, phaeochromocytoma may first present with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of adrenalectomy on patient recovery with regards to normotension and well-controlled glycaemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective analysis involved 67 patients with phaeochromocytoma operated between 2006 and mid-2012. The pre-operative diagnoses were made in the departments of internal medicine and endocrinology. Based on laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, we were able to confirm the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma in 42 (62.7%) patients. We verified the influence of adrenalectomy on the level of patient recovery, with regards to normotension and glycaemic control: arterial pressure and fasting glycaemia levels were obtained on the day of hospital discharge, at follow-up 3 months post-operatively and 1 year after surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 67 patients operated for phaeochromocytoma, 48 (71.6%) were treated laparoscopically, whereas 19 (28.4%) underwent open adrenalectomy. Arterial hypertension was recorded in 53 (79.1%) cases. Furthermore, among this group, diabetes mellitus coexisted in 21 (31.3%) cases. Postoperatively, 70% of cases of arterial hypertension and 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus were cured. Additionally, a high rate of patients reported a quantitative reduced use of antihypertensive medicines.

CONCLUSIONS

In the majority of patients, surgical treatment of symptomatic phaeochromocytoma leads to a regression of arterial hypertension, or a reduction of the number or doses of medicines taken in one's treatment, and glucose-intolerance symptoms.

Laparoendoscopic single site, laparoscopic or open surgery for adrenal tumors: Selecting the optimal approach

Numerous surgical modalities are available to treat adrenal lesions. Minimally-invasive approaches for adrenalectomy are indicated in most circumstances, and new evidence continues to be accumulated. In this context, current indications for open surgical adrenalectomy (OS-A), minimally-invasive adrenalectomy (MI-A), and laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESS-A) remain unclear. A comprehensive English-language literature review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMED to identify articles and guidelines pertinent to the surgical management of adrenal tumors. A comprehensive chart review was performed for three illustrative cases. Clinical recommendations were generated based on relevant literature and the expertise of the investigator group. MI-A offers advantages over OS-A in properly selected patients, who experience fewer complications, lower blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Robot-assisted laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy may offer advantages over transperitoneal surgery, and LESS-A may be an even less-invasive option that will require further evaluation. MI-A remains the surgical treatment of choice for most adrenal lesions. Tumor size and stage are the primary indications for selecting alternative treatment modalities. OS-A remains the gold standard for large tumors (> 10 cm) and suspected or known advanced stage malignancy. LESS-A appears to be an appropriate initial approach for small tumors (< 4-5 cm), including pheochromocytoma and isolated adrenal metastases.

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.

[A clinical study of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma--analysis of clinical parameters influencing operative time and intraoperative systolic blood pressure]

PURPOSE

We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative clinical parameters which influence operative time and intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure in patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1992 and September 2010, we performed 28 laparoscopic adrenalectomies for pheochromocytoma at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. These 28 cases were characterized based on the following parameters: body mass index (BMI), tumor size, history of hypertension, preoperative blood pressure, serum concentration of catecholamine, and 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolite. We retrospectively analyzed whether or not these parameters influenced operative time or intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

All 28 cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy were performed safely and without intraoperative complications and needed neither blood transfusion nor conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 203 minutes, and intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 200 mmHg) occurred in 46% (13/28) of cases. Median day of discharge in all patients was post-operative day 5. Significant positive correlation was shown between tumor size and operative time and between intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure and serum concentration of catecholamine or 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolite (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The lengthened operative time for large tumors and elevated intraoperative blood pressure for tumors with high preoperative catecholamine activity necessitate careful perioperative management in patients receiving laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

Risk factors affecting operative approach, conversion, and morbidity for adrenalectomy: a single-institution series of 402 patients

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for selecting patients for open adrenalectomy (OA) and for conversion are limited in most series. This study aimed to investigate variables that are important in selecting patients for OA, predict risk of conversion from laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), and impact 30-day outcomes of OA and LA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data was conducted. Patients (≥ 16 years old) who underwent adrenalectomy in the Division of General Surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (1993-2010) were grouped by operative approach (LA vs. OA) and compared using nonparametric tests and regression analyses (α < 0.05).

RESULTS

In total, 402 patients underwent 422 adrenalectomies. Compared to LA patients, those in the OA group were older (p = 0.02), had higher ASA scores (p = 0.04), larger tumor size (p < 0.01), and fewer functioning lesions (p < 0.01). OA patients more often required concurrent procedures (p < 0.01), had a longer operative time (p = 0.04), more intraoperative complications (p = 0.02), higher estimated blood loss (EBL), and larger transfusion requirement. Preoperative factors that predicted selection for OA were higher patient age (p = 0.01), higher ASA score (p = 0.03), larger tumor size (p < 0.01), nonfunctioning lesion (p < 0.01), diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (p < 0.01), and the need for concomitant procedures (p < 0.01). Conversion to open or hand-assisted approach occurred in 6.2 % of LA patients. Preoperative risks for conversion included large tumor size (>8 cm) and need for concomitant procedures (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that large indeterminate adrenal mass, adrenocortical carcinoma, tumor size (>6 cm), an open operation, conversion, concomitant procedures, operative time >180 min, and EBL >200 mL were predictors of 30-day morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenal tumor size and need for concurrent procedures significantly impact the selection of patients for OA, the likelihood of conversion, and perioperative morbidity. These metrics should be considered when assessing operative approach and risks for adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, a safe procedure for pheochromocytoma. A retrospective review of clinical series

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a complex surgical procedure especially because of the haemodynamic instability due to the excessive secretion of cathecolamines, which may result in a considerable risk of conversion and complications.

AIM

By a multicentric retrospective study, the authors reported the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomies in patients operated for adrenal pheochromocytomas with the aim of investigating the role of the laparoscopic approach in managing adrenal disease.

METHODS

Sixty patients, preoperatively treated with a selective alpha1-blocker, underwent 61 laparoscopic adrenalectomies for PCC smaller or larger than 6 cm - group A (≤6 cm), group B (>6 cm). We compared the two groups of patients analyzing haemodynamic instability, operative time, conversion rate, incidence of complications, length of hospital stay and medium and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

In 23 cases tumor was >6 cm in diameter. Average operative time was 165 min, with a 5% conversion rate. There was no mortality and morbidity rate was 8.3%. Intraoperative hypertensive crises were registered in 15% of patients, whereas 5/60 patients had hypotensive crises. After comparing the two groups of patients, no statistically significant differences in terms of haemodynamic instability, operative time, conversion rate, morbidity and length of hospital stay were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

As a surgical treatment of pheochromocytomas, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an effective and safe approach, in selected cases even for PCCs >6 cm in diameter, although patients with such large tumors may have a higher conversion rate and more intraoperative hypertensive crises. Preoperative selective adrenergic blockade does not prevent intraoperative hypertensive crises, but by facilitating the pharmacological management of the perioperative haemodynamic instability, may avoid the onset of major adverse cardiovascular complications.

Anatomic retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for selected adrenal tumors >5 cm: our technique and experience

OBJECTIVES

To introduce our experience in using anatomic retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (ARA) for adrenal tumors >5 cm and evaluate this procedure's safety and efficiency.

METHODS

Of the 1400 ARAs performed in the past 8 years, 110 were performed on patients who had adrenal tumors with a diameter >5 cm. The perioperative indexes of these patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean tumor size on postoperative pathologic examination was 7.2 ± 2.1 cm (range 5-14). Only 1 patient with right-sided adrenal pheochromocytoma (7.8 cm diameter) required conversion to open surgery owing to the tumor's severe adhesions to the liver and inferior vena cava. The mean operative time and evaluated blood loss was 70.8 ± 18.6 minutes and 81.3 ± 46.1 mL, respectively. The average postoperative interval to oral intake and drainage withdrawal was 2.1 and 2.2 days, respectively. No patient died during the operation. Major intraoperative complication (ie, injury to the vena cava) occurred in 1 patient, necessitating open surgery. Minor complications during the perioperative period occurred in 10 patients (9.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

When performed by experienced surgeons, ARA is a safe and feasible procedure for large adrenal masses with a diameter >7 cm; however, this procedure results in a longer operation time and greater blood loss compared with ARA performed on smaller masses. Open surgery is indicated when the tumor adheres to, or has infiltrated, the surrounding tissues.

Minimally invasive adrenal surgery: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the recent developments in minimally invasive adrenal surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Modern adrenal surgery continues to evolve with new techniques. Both the laparoscopic transabdominal and retroperitoneoscopic approaches are now the standard of care for the removal of nonmalignant adrenal tumors. Other recent developments include robotic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy, single-incision laparoendoscopic surgery, and ambulatory adrenalectomy.

SUMMARY

Here, we review the literature of minimally invasive adrenal surgery over the last year to highlight new developments and technical refinements.