Pheochromocytoma: 20 years of improving surgical care.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is now the standard for pheochromocytoma. We report two decades of institutional experience with pheochromocytoma adrenalectomy.

METHODS:

A retrospective review was undertaken of pheochromocytoma adrenalectomy patients between 1997 and 2017. Clinical variables and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were divided into quartiles for analysis: group 1 from 1997 to 2001, group 2 from 2002 to 2006, group 3 from 2007 to 2011, and group 4 from 2012 to 2017.

RESULTS:

Eighty-two pheochromocytoma adrenalectomies were identified. The percentage of laparoscopic adrenalectomies increased over time: 60% in group 1-87.5% in group 4 (p = 0.03). The average tumor size decreased: 6.4 cm (2.8-14.3 cm) in group 1-4.6 cm (1.2-7.8 cm) in group 4 (p = 0.03). ICU utilization decreased from 80% to 40.6% (p = 0.03) and length of stay decreased from 7.2 days to 2.7 days (p = 0.005). Clavien-Dindo grade>3 complications did not differ between the quartiles (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION:

Pheochromocytoma care has evolved from more open procedures with standard postoperative ICU stay to a laparoscopic resection with targeted ICU care and decreased length of stay. As experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy increases, patient outcomes improve.

• Authors: Tarin C Worrest, Erin W Gilbert, Brett C Sheppard
• Journal: American journal of surgery (Am J Surg) Vol. 217 Issue 5 Pg. 967-969 (05 2019) ISSN: 1879-1883 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30922520 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adrenal Gland Neoplasms (pathology, surgery)
• Adrenalectomy
• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Intensive Care Units (trends)
• Laparoscopy (trends)
• Length of Stay (trends)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pheochromocytoma (pathology, surgery)
• Postoperative Complications
• Quality Improvement
• Retrospective Studies