Endoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: difference between the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches in terms of the operative course

Due to the intraoperative catecholamine secretion with hemodynamic changes, a larger tumor size and marked neovascularization, as compared with other adrenal pathologies, endoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma represents a particular challenge involving a more difficult and morbid procedure. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal surgical approach for endoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Over a period of 10 years (February 1994 to June 2004), 38 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. As three patients underwent a bilateral procedure, a total of 41 adrenalectomies were performed. The transperitoneal approach was carried out in 23 patients, whereas 18 patients underwent a retroperitoneal adrenalectomy by a single operative team. Perioperative parameters were prospectively followed.

There was no conversion to the open procedure. Intraoperative hypertensive episodes occurred in 21 patients (55.3%) and were controlled by antihypertensive agents. In 11 patients (28.9%), blood pressure values rose to above 200 mmHg (>1 min). A comparison between the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal procedures did not show a significant difference between the maximum intraoperative systolic (p = 0.730) and diastolic (p = 0.663) blood pressure values although intraoperative blood pressure peaks were seen more frequently during retroperitoneal adrenalectomy. The operative time was shorter for the patients who had transperitoneal adrenalectomy than compared to for those who had retroperitoneal adrenalectomy, although the difference was not significant. The intraoperative blood loss, perioperative morbidity, and length of postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the surgical techniques (p > 0.05).

After adequate preparation, endoscopic adrenalectomy may be performed in patients with pheochromocytoma via both the retroperitoneal and the transperitoneal approaches. The shorter operating time, less frequent intraoperative blood pressure peaks, and the better overview of the operating field recommend the transperitoneal approach with the patient placed in a lateral position as the preferred operative procedure.