Outcomes after laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the standard of care for many conditions requiring removal of the adrenal gland. Previous studies on outcomes after LA have had limitations. This report describes the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates after LA and analyzes factors affecting operative time, hospital length of stay (LOS), and postoperative morbidity.

Patients undergoing LA in 2007and 2008 were identified from the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Using multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression, 52 demographic/comorbidity variables were analyzed to ascertain factors affecting operative time, LOS, and morbidity.

The mean age of the 988 patients was 53.5 ± 13.7 years, and 60% of the patients were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 31.8 ± 7.9 kg/m². The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 6.8% and 0.5%, respectively. The mean and median operative times were 146.7 ± 66.8 min and 134 min, respectively. The mean and median hospital stays were 2.6 ± 3.1 days and 2 days, respectively. Compared with independent status, totally dependent functional status was associated with a 9.5-day increase in LOS (P = 0.0006) and an increased risk for postoperative morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 14.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–91.9; P < 0.0001). Peripheral vascular disease (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.7–31.7; P = 0.008) also was associated with increased 30-day morbidity. Neurologic and respiratory comorbidities were associated with increased LOS (P < 0.05). American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4 patients had a longer operative time than ASA class 1 patients (P = 0.002).

The morbidity and mortality rates after LA are low. Dependent functional status and peripheral vascular disease predispose to postoperative morbidity. Dependent status, higher ASA class, and respiratory and neurologic comorbidities are associated with longer operative time and LOS.