Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Research Articles

Longitudinal analysis of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy regarding cosmesis outcomes: comparison of lateral transperitoneal and reduced port laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

The aim of this study is to compare patient-reported cosmesis and satisfaction outcomes between lateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (LRA), laparoendoscopic single site and reduced port adrenalectomy (LESS/RP-A) and lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTA). A total of 26, 86 and 50 patients who underwent LRA, LESS/RP-A and LTA were included in the study. All LESS/RP-A cases were performed taking the transumbilical approach. We mailed a questionnaire to all patients 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12months after operation. Questionnaires inquiring about cosmesis (0: very ugly, 10: very beautiful) on the basis of a visual analogue scale were administered. The mean scores of cosmesis at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 were 7.11, 7.00, 6.57, 5.25 and 5.46 for the LRA group, 8.43, 8.86, 8.95, 8.46 and 9.09 for the LESS/RP-A group and 7.18, 7.74, 7.58, 7.44 and 8.09 for the LTA group. The difference in cosmesis score between the LRA and LESS/RP-A groups gradually increased after surgery, and the cosmesis score for the LRA group was significantly lower at every postoperative point. The difference in cosmesis score between the LRA and LTA groups gradually increased after surgery, and the cosmesis score for the LRA group was significantly lower at postoperative months 9 (p = 0.015) and 12 (p = 0.002). This study is the first comprehensive longitudinal analysis of patient-reported cosmesis outcomes between LRA, LESS/RP-A and LTA. LRA was the surgical procedure that resulted in lower cosmesis scores when compared with those following the LESS/RP-A and LTA procedures.

Should surgical drainage after lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy be routine?-A retrospective comparative study.

Whether to use surgical drains after abdominal surgery or not has received much attention since a hundred years ago. Nowadays, lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTLA) is a widely used technique to treat adrenal tumors worldwide. However, the placement of drains after LTLA remains controversial. Data of 150 patients, who underwent LTLA between October 2014 and September 2020 by the same lead surgeon, were collected, including demographic, pathology, preoperative, operative variables and postoperative complications. The patients were divided into two groups, with and without drainage. The postoperative recovery of the two groups was compared. Among 150 patients (65 men and 85 women, median age 48 years, median BMI 23.53), 89 patients had no drainage and 61 patients had drainage after surgery. Variables of the two groups were analyzed. Placement of drains correlated with long operative time (P<0.01). Patients with drain had longer hospital stays (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P=0.022). Other factors, including tumor size (P=0.61), tumor location (P=0.387), ASA score (P=0.687), pathology (P=0.55), VAS pain score (P=0.41), intraoperative blood loss (P=0.11), were not found to be significantly associated with drain placement. There was no conversion to open surgery in both groups. Moreover, no mortality was observed in either group. This study revealed that it is feasible and safe not to leave a drain in selective and uncomplicated patients and that surgical drainage should not be routine after LTLA.

Comparison of Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy Versus Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ObjectiveTo discuss the differences in the effectiveness and security for adrenal tumors by posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) and lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTA).MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus database and Cochrane Library, and the date was from above database establishment to November 2020. Stata 16 was used for calculation and statistical analyses.ResultsNine studies involving eight hundred patients were included. The following differences were observed in favor of PRA vs LTA: less operative time (MD: −22.5; 95% CI −32.57 to −12.45; P=0.000), Fewer estimated blood loss (MD: −15.17; 95% CI −26.63 to −3.72; P=0.009), lower intensity of postoperative pain (MD: −0.56; 95% CI, −1.05 to −0.07; P=0.026), shorter length of hospital stay (MD: −1.15; 95% CI −1.94 to −0.36; P=0.04). No differences were shown in conversion rate (OR 2.07; 95%CI 0.71 to 6.03; P=0.181) and complications (OR 0.85;95% CI 0.46 to 1.56; P=0.597).ConclusionsPosterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy was clinically superior to lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors in operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and postoperative pain. Only in term of conversion rate and complications, both were similar

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.

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 ≤ 2days versus LOS > 2days and elaborated multivariate logistic regression models. We included 150 patients (73 men and 77 women, median age 54years), with benign (n = 128) and malignant tumors (n = 22). The median LOS after LTLA was 2days; 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 > 9cm (OR:13.03, p = 0.005), surgery on Thursday or Friday (OR:6.92, p = 0.001), estimated blood loss ≥ 60ml (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 > 9cm, operating on Thursday or Friday, estimated blood loss ≥ 60mL, and drainage.

Undiagnosed Pheochromocytoma Presenting as a Pancreatic Tumor: A Case Report.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor of the adrenal gland. Patients with known pheochromocytoma undergoing surgery require preoperative treatment with alpha-blockers to reduce the risk of intraoperative complications related to catecholamine release. If undiagnosed, pheochromocytoma can lead to life-threatening surgical complications. We report the case of a patient with a suspected solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in the pancreatic tail, for whom pancreatoduodenectomy was scheduled. However, shortly after abdominal incision, hypertensive crisis developed and was followed by severe hypotension requiring intravenous vasopressors, which prompted discontinuation of the operation. Further diagnostic evaluation revealed marked elevations in urinary excretion of methylated catecholamines and suggested that the tumor was in fact a pheochromocytoma extending from the left adrenal gland. After preoperative treatment with doxazosin, the patient underwent lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy, with no major complications and an uneventful postoperative course. The pathological report confirmed a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Due to the potential for life-threatening surgical complications in patients with pheochromocytoma not treated preoperatively with alpha-blockers, this tumor type should be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumors of unknown origin.

Criticism of learning curve in laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a systematic review.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the treatment of choice for benign adrenal lesions. Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (LTLA) is considered the gold standard. The number of LTLAs a surgeon must perform, in order to complete his learning curve, is not well defined in Literature. Moreover, the few papers dealing with the learning curve for LTLAs show controversial results and consider different evaluation parameters. The systematic review has been carried out according to PRISMA statement. The literature search included PubMed and Scopus database. Hand searching of reference lists of previous review articles and relevant studies was also performed. The search string was "learning curve AND laparoscopic adrenalectomy". A total of 9 papers met the inclusion criteria out of 94 non duplicate citations. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a multidimensional evaluation by bringing into focus evaluation parameters of surgical performance, (operative time, intraoperative complications, conversion rate and blood loss), factors related to patient's pathology (side, size, adrenal pathology) and surgeon-specific properties. Operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative complications and conversion rate are the main parameters that have been considered for the achievement of learning curve, and for each there are discrepancies, mainly due to the relative rarity of adrenal tumors, and so for difficulties in obtaining approper analysis that could establish an effective learning curve. So, further evaluations in larger experience are needed.

Risk factors for open conversion of lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: retrospective cohort study of the Spanish Adrenal Surgery Group (SASG).

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for treating adrenal tumors. Conversion from laparoscopic adrenalectomy to an open approach during surgery may be necessary in some cases. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for open conversion of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy in six endocrine surgery units of the Spanish Adrenal Surgery Group (SASG) between January 2005 and December 2017. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and histopathologic characteristics were recorded. Risk factors for conversion were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Of a total of 865 patients included in the study, 58 (6.7%) required conversion to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, factors associated with conversion from laparoscopic to open adrenalectomy were body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2 (P = 0.002), previous abdominal surgery (P = 0.015), tumor size > 5cm (P = 0.001), and surgery for pheochromocytoma (P = 0.034). In the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) 4.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.81-8.75; P = 0.001], tumor size > 5cm (OR 10.15, 95% CI 4.24-28.31; P < 0.001), and surgery for pheochromocytoma (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.89-11.55; P = 0.015). Obesity, tumor size, and pheochromocytoma as the type of adrenal tumor were predictive factors for intraoperative conversion from laparoscopic to open adrenalectomy. Preoperative assessment of these characteristics should be valuable to clinicians in discussing conversion risk in patients and for surgical planning.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy: Our initial results

To present the first 24 laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed in our clinic because of an adrenal mass. The medical files of 24 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between December 2008 and March 2013 at Haseki Teaching and Research Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. Lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in all patients. The operation time was defined as the interval between the first incision of the skin and closure of the skin. Intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss and hospital stays of the patients were evaluated. Final pathologies were recorded. The mean age of the patients was 44.2±8.58 years (range: 29-66 years). Nine patients were female and 15 were male. A total of 24 masses were identified in the right (n=11), and left (n=13) adrenal glands masses were identified., Eighteen patients (75%) had no symptoms, and the masses were identified incidentally. The mean operation time was 144±46.1 minutes (range: 90-320 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 74±12.3 mL (range: 50-130 mL). None of the patients required a blood transfusion. In one patient, liver injury was identified intraoperatively due to traction. The mean duration of hospitalization was 2.9±1.1 days (range: 2-5 days). Adrenocortical adenoma and pheochromocytoma were the most common pathologies. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of adrenal masses with low complication rates.

Prospective evaluation of 100 robotic-assisted unilateral adrenalectomies

Our aim was to determine the learning curve for robotic adrenalectomy and factors that influence operative time and cost. We prospectively evaluated of 100 consecutive patients who underwent robotic, unilateral, transperitoneal adrenalectomy. The mean operative time for robotic-assisted adrenalectomy was 95 minutes and conversion rate was 5%. Pathology was aldosteronoma (n = 39), pheochromocytoma (n = 24), nonfunctional adenoma (n = 19), Cushing adenoma or hyperplasia (n = 16), and cyst (n = 2). Morbidity and mortality rates were 10% and 0%, respectively. The mean operative time decreased by 1 minute every 10 cases. Operative time improved more for junior surgeons than for senior surgeons (P = .006) after the first 50 cases. By multiple regression analysis, surgeon's experience (-18.9 +/- 5.5), first assistant level (-7.8 +/- 3.2), and tumor size (3 +/- 1.4) were independent predictors of operative time (P < .001 each). The robotic procedure was 2.3 times more costly than lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (euro4102 vs euro1799). Surgeon experience, resident training level, and tumor size are important variables for robotic-assisted, unilateral adrenalectomy and should be taken into account when this approach is evaluated. Controlled studies need to be performed to show potential relevant clinical benefits that could balance costs.

Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy: what advantages compared to lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

Background This study evaluates the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) compared with lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Methods Prospective evaluation of 50 patients who underwent unilateral RA versus 59 patients who underwent unilateral LA. Results RA was associated with lower blood loss (49 mL) but longer operative times (104 minutes) ( P <.001). However, the difference in operative time was not significant after the learning curve of 20 cases. In patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m 2, mean operative time was longer in the LA group (90 vs 78 minutes, P = .03) but not in the RA group. In patients with large tumors (≥55 mm), mean operative time was longer in the LA group (100 vs 80 minutes, P = .009) but not in the RA group. Conversion rate, morbidity, and hospital stay were similar in both groups. Conclusions After a learning curve of 20 cases, RA has similar perioperative outcomes compared to lateral transperitoneal LA. Several criteria (previous laparoscopic expertise, first assistant’s skill and tumor side) remain determinative on RA operative time.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Comparison of Lateral Transperitoneal and Lateral Retroperitoneal Approaches

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

Does adrenal mass size really affect safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic adrenalectomy?

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy with regard to adrenal mass size, as well as to consider its clinical and pathologic patterns. Laparoscopy is today considered the first-choice treatment of many adrenal diseases, although its use is still controversial for large adrenal masses and incidentally found adrenal cortical carcinoma. Methods A total of 125 patients underwent lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The indications were either functioning or nonfunctioning adrenal masses, without any radiologic evidence of involvement of the surrounding structures. The correlation between the size and the operative times, estimated blood loss, incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were studied with Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Fisher’s exact test, and the chi-square test. The analysis of variance test was used to evaluate any possible correlation between the size and clinicopathologic features and the results. Results A slight correlation was observed between the size and operative time ( P = 0.004), but no correlation was observed between the size and the other parameters. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the clinicopathologic patterns (nonfunctioning benign adrenal masses, Conn’s adenoma, Cushing’s adenoma, pheochromocytoma, adrenal cortical cancer, and other tumor metastasis) and the operative time ( P = 0.011), but not with the other parameters. Conclusions Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is also effective and safe for large lesions. The results of our series confirms that the risk of encountering an incidental adrenal cortical cancer is significantly increased for large lesions, and therefore, in these cases, additional attention is required to observe oncologic surgical principles.

Experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in pediatric patients

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is now being recognized as the standard in the management of benign adrenal pathology in adult patients. Few reports have described the use of this technique in pediatric patients. This study combines experience from 2 institutions with lateral transperitoneal LA in children to analyze our results and the clinical and biochemical response to laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with hormonally active adrenal tumors. Methods: A bi-institutional retrospective review of all patients undergoing LA between January 1997 and January 2001 was performed. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained during routine follow-up. Results: Seventeen laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed during this period. The average operating time was 120 minutes, mean estimated blood loss was 25 mL, the mean size of the adrenal lesion was 4.8 cm, and the mean length of hospitalization was 35 hours. Resolution of clinical and biochemical parameters of adrenal hyperfunction was accomplished in all patients with adrenocortical hyperplasia and pheochromocytoma in postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively with a short hospital stay, minimal blood loss, and excellent functional outcome in this age group. The authors believe laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an excellent approach for the management of benign pediatric adrenal pathology. J Pediatr Surg 37:979-982. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

An Institutional Experience With 40 First Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomies

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is gaining widespread acceptance. To evaluate this new approach, the authors evaluated 40 laparoscopic adrenalectomies. Between June 1995 and February 1999, 40 lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in 38 patients. The clinical diagnoses were primary aldosteronism (20 patients), Cushing adenoma (2 patients), cortical hyperplasia with hypercortisolism (2 patients), pheochromocytoma (8 patients), and other conditions (6 patients). There were no deaths or subsequent procedures. The mean operative time was 121 minutes. One procedure performed for hypercortisolism was converted to open adrenalectomy because of hepatomegaly and postoperative adhesions. Seven patients had complications: one patient with small pulmonary embolus with transient dyspnea, one patient with pneumothorax, two patients with postoperative bleeding, two patients with prolonged pain at a trocar wound, and one patient with a urinary tract infection. Lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy seems to be a safe and effective minimally invasive approach for adrenal surgery, and the authors consider it to be the standard surgical procedure for benign adrenal tumors.