The role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumours of 6 cm or greater

Parnaby, C.N., Chong, P.S., Chisholm, L., Farrow, J., Connell, J. and Dwyer, P.J.O. (2008) The role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumours of 6 cm or greater. Surgical Endoscopy, 22(3), pp. 617-621. (doi: 10.1007/s00464-007-9709-7)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00464-007-9709-7

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has been shown to reduce hospital stay and morbidity when compared to open adrenalectomy (OA). It is uncertain if the laparoscopic resection of large (≥6 cm) potentially malignant adrenal tumours is appropriate due to concern over incomplete resection and local recurrence. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of LA for tumours ≥6 cm with those < 6 cm.

Methods
Details of all patients referred with adrenal tumours between January 1999 and January 2006 had been recorded prospectively on a database. LA was performed using a lateral transabdominal approach. Contraindications to LA were local invasion requiring en bloc resection of adjacent organs or the requirement of additional open procedures.

Results
103 patients were referred for adrenal resection. Three with metastatic adrenal carcinoma and two with severe cardiorespiratory disease were deemed unsuitable for operation. One hundred and eleven adrenalectomies were performed: 101 LAs and 10 OAs. Thirty-nine LA were for tumours ≥6 cm while nine OA were for tumours ≥6 cm. There were no significant differences between the median total anaesthetic time, postoperative complications or postoperative stay for patients undergoing LA for tumours ≥6 cm versus tumours <6 cm. Of the six conversions, five were performed for adrenal tumours ≥6 cm [local invasion (n = 3), adhesions (n = 1), primary renal carcinoma (n = 1)]. All tumours in the LA group were resected with clear margins and at a median follow up of 50 months (range 38–74 months). There has been no evidence of local recurrence.

Conclusions
In the absence of local invasion, the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients with tumours ≥6 cm were comparable to those with tumours <6 cm. This has helped confirm a policy of initial laparoscopic resection for all noninvasive adrenal tumours can be applied safely.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Connell, Professor John
Authors: Parnaby, C.N., Chong, P.S., Chisholm, L., Farrow, J., Connell, J., and Dwyer, P.J.O.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Journal Name:Surgical Endoscopy
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0930-2794
ISSN (Online):1432-2218
Published Online:11 December 2007
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
392521Regulation of aldosterone and cortisol synthesis in hypertension and cardiovascular diseaseEleanor DaviesMedical Research Council (MRC)G0400874Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences
392522Regulation of aldosterone and cortisol synthesis in hypertension and cardiovascular diseaseEleanor DaviesMedical Research Council (MRC)G0400874Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences