Adrenalectomy in older Americans has increased morbidity and mortality: an analysis of 6,416 patients

The incidence of adrenal tumors increases with age. We examined the impact of older age (>60 years) on clinical and economic outcomes after adrenalectomy.

Adult patients who underwent adrenalectomy in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from 2003-2008 were categorized into age groups: ≤60 years, 61-70 years, and >70 years. Outcomes were compared using χ(2) and ANOVA; multivariate regression was used to assess the independent effect of older age on adrenalectomy outcomes.

There were 6,416 patients: 21.9% were 61-70 years, and 12.9% were >70 years. Compared with patients ≤60 years, patients 61-70 and >70 years had more complications (14.1% vs. 19.9 and 22.6%; p < 0.001) and mortality (0.4% vs. 1.3 and 2.3%; p < 0.001), longer mean length of stay (LOS) (3.3 vs. 4.0 and 4.9 days; p < 0.001), and higher mean costs ($12,307 vs. $13,226 and $14,649; p < 0.001). After adjustment, older age remained independently associated with sustaining one or more complications after adrenalectomy (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.7, for patients 61-70 years; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2 for patients >70 years) and longer adjusted LOS (1-day difference, p < 0.01). Age >70 years was independently associated with increased mortality after adrenalectomy (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.4-5.6). Complications, LOS, and costs were reduced if patients underwent surgery by high-volume compared with low-volume surgeons.

Older age seems to be independently associated with adverse short-term clinical and economic outcomes after adrenalectomy. Enhanced access to high-volume surgeons is a potentially modifiable factor of particular importance in these patients.