Robotic adrenalectomy: when and how?

Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered as the preferred technique to manage adrenal tumors. However, there are no prospective randomized studies evaluating this strategy. With the recent advances in surgical equipment and the widespread of robotic technology, a robotic approach is considered as an interesting option in some medical centers. This approach seems to be feasible and safe but high-level evidence of its benefits is still lacking. This review summarizes indications, advantages and drawbacks of robotic adrenalectomy and describes its surgical technique.

Conversion During Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma: A Cohort Study in 244 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in anesthetic and laparoscopic surgical management have improved perioperative outcomes in patients with pheochromocytoma. However, patients converted to laparotomy during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma have never been evaluated specifically in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and postoperative complications. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained databases in five medical centers from 2002 to 2013. Inclusion criteria were consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic unilateral total adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four patients were included. Mean tumor size was 43.9 ± 20 mm with 92 patients (38%) having a tumor diameter > 50 mm. During adrenalectomy, 19 of 244 patients (7.7%) had to be converted to laparotomy. In multivariable analysis, the need for preoperative hospitalization (3.379, 1.209-9.445; P = 0.020), tumor size > 6 cm (2.97, 0.996-8.868; P = 0.050), and ratio of intraoperative systolic blood pressure >200 mmHg duration to anesthesia duration (1.060, 1.007-1.117; P = 0.027) remained significantly associated with conversion. Conversion was significantly associated with postoperative grade II-V Clavien morbidity rate (4.259, 1.471-12.326; P = 0.007) and duration of hospitalization (12.92, 2.90-58.82; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that preoperative hospitalization and larger tumor were more frequent in patients undergoing conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. Conversion is associated with increased intraoperative hypertensive episodes and postoperative complications rate. Clinicians should be cognizant of these risks and prepare patients appropriately for conversion when deemed necessary.