Objective
The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been well documented and it has become the standard of care for benign adrenal pathology, and small (<5cm) pheochromocytomas. Its applicability for pheochromocytomas larger than 6 cm has been questioned, due to concerns including cardiovascular complications, malignancy, and recurrence. The aim of this study is to determine if laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients without radiologic evidence of cancer, compromises the peri-operative and long-term outcomes of large ≥6 cm pheochromocytomas.
Methods
We analyzed a prospective adrenal database of 163 consecutive patients who underwent adrenalectomy at our institution between September 2000 and September 2010, under an Institutional Review Board approved protocol. Patients diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma, who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) were investigated. Patients with tumors <6 cm (SmPheo) were compared to those presenting with tumors ≥6 cm (LgPheo).
Results
Twenty-five patients presented with 26 pheochromocytomas. There were 52% females with a mean age of 53±3. The mean tumor size was 5.2±0.5cm and 11 (42%) pheochromocytomas were ≥6 cm. The tumor size was significantly different between the LgPheo and the SmPheo groups (7.6±0.4 vs. 3.6±0.4 cm, p<0.001) but there was no significant difference in intra-operative complications, estimated blood loss, cancer diagnosis, or recurrence. The length of stay was comparative amongst the two cohorts and there were no incidents of capsular invasion or adverse cardiovascular events.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy of pheochromocytomas larger than 6 cm is feasible and safe with comparable results to smaller ones.