Risk factors for hemodynamic instability during laparoscopic pheochromocytoma resection: a retrospective cohort study

Adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumour, is a challenging procedure because of the high risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability, which can cause life-threatening complications. Our study aimed to identify predictive factors for hemodynamic instability during pheochromocytoma resection as well as to assess the risk factors for postoperative morbidity.

Data of 96 patients, who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy were analysed retrospectively. Hemodynamic instability was defined as an occurrence of both intraoperative episodes of systolic blood pressure above 160 mmHg and vasoactive (vasodilators or vasoconstrictors) drug administration. Patients were divided into two groups: one which met both criteria, and another one without hemodynamic instability-42 (43.8%) and 54 (56.2%) respectively.

The mean tumour size was 4.5±2.0 cm. 86 patients had a sporadic pheochromocytoma and 10 (10.4%) had a familial disease. Sixty-three patients were preoperatively treated with nonselective blockers and 33 patients with selective blockers. Mean operative time was 98.7±41.7 min. and mean intraoperative blood loss was 165.7±381.2 mL. In 26% of patients, postoperative complications occurred. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the size of adrenal tumour and diabetes were significant factors of hemodynamic instability. Intraoperative use of vasopressors was an independent risk factor for both all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity.

Adrenal tumour size and diabetes were associated with hemodynamic instability during pheochromocytoma resection. The only risk factor for complications in our group was intraoperative necessity to use vasopressors.