Abstract
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic or open adrenalectomies are performed for variable pathologies. We investigated if adrenal pathology affects perioperative outcomes independent of operative approach. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective review of 345 adrenalectomies was performed. A multivariate analysis was utilized. RESULTS: Pathology groups included benign non-pheochromocytoma tumors (50.4%), pheochromocytomas (41%), adrenocortical carcinomas (5.2%), and metastatic tumors (3.4%). Controlling for age, body mass index, tumor size, procedure type, and pathology, pheochromocytomas exhibited greater blood loss (92 mL more, P = .007) and operative times (33 min more, P < .001) than benign non-pheochromocytoma tumors. Metastatic tumors demonstrated longer operative times (53 min more, P = .013). Open adrenalectomy was associated with greater blood loss (396 mL more, P = .001), transfusion requirement (P = .021), operative times (79 min more, P < .001), hospital stay (6.6 days more, P < .001) and complications (P < .001) when compared with endoscopic adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The type of adrenal pathology appears to influence blood loss and operative time but not complications in patients undergoing adrenalectomy. Open adrenalectomy remains a major driver of adverse perioperative outcomes.