Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumors: analysis of surgical aspects based on...

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal functions of the tumor influence the operative results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and to analyse the clinical outcomes in patients with various hormonally active adrenal tumors.

Clinical and pathological records of 68 patients were reviewed. The average age of patients was 40 years (range 20-75); 39 were women and 29 men. For the comparison, patients were divided into the non-functioning tumor group (n = 22) and the functioning tumor group (n = 46).

All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were finished successfully, and no open surgery was necessary. The median operative time and blood loss in the two groups were similar; however, in subgroup analysis, operative time for pheochromocytoma was significantly longer than that for non-functioning tumor (P = 0.044). No difference was noted in intra- and postoperative data between the groups. Of the 22 patients with aldosteronoma, 18 (81.8%) became normotensive and no longer required postoperative blood pressure medications. Adrenalectomy led to an overall reduction in the median number of antihypertensive medications (P < 0.001). All patients with Cushing adenoma had resolution or improvement of the signs and symptoms during follow-up periods. There was no evidence of biochemical or clinical recurrence in any patient with pheochromocytoma.

The results of this retrospective review document that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for functioning as well as non-functioning adrenal tumors, although endocrinologic features may play a significant role.