Objective: To compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy for surgical adrenal disease.
Materials and methods: Prospectively collected data from 22 consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomies, performed by one surgeon (MGH) over a period of 18 months at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, were reviewed. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed by both the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. In addition, a retrospective chart review was performed for all open adrenalectomies, performed at the same institution, over a 6 year period. Exclusion criteria were locally invasive lesions and masses greater than 8 cm in diameter. Adrenal pheochromocytomas were included in both groups. The two groups were evaluated with respect to intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.
Results: Twenty-two laparoscopic and 19 open adrenalectomies were reviewed. Both groups were similar with regard to gender, age, body mass index, and ASA class. Two laparoscopic cases, both with a history of prior ipsilateral adrenal surgery, were converted to the open approach. The laparoscopic group had a longer mean operative time (171 minutes versus 104 minutes), yet had a lower estimated blood loss (146 cc versus 455 cc), blood transfusion rate (0% versus 16%), and intraoperative complication rate (5% versus 16%). Both groups were similar with regard to specimen size and pathology. The laparoscopic group required less post-operative analgesia (44 mg morphine versus 478 mg morphine), resumed a regular diet sooner (1.1 days versus 3.7 days), and had a shorter hospital stay (2.2 days versus 5.4 days).
Conclusions: In our experience, prior ipsilateral adrenal surgery greatly increases the risk of open conversion. This study is consistent with the findings of a number of previously reported studies, supporting the emergence of laparoscopic adrenalectomy as the standard of care for surgical management of benign adrenal disease.