Posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for metastatic disease: a multi-site Australian series

Abstract

Background

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) for isolated adrenal metastasis is minimally invasive, may prolong survival and improve quality of life. The current evidence base is scant.

Methods

A multi-site retrospective analysis of all cases of PRA for adrenal metastasis between 2011 and 2023, by four high-volume adrenal surgeons was performed. Perioperative morbidity, disease-free and survival outcomes were reported.

Results

Of 51 patients, 34(67%) male, mean age 63 ± 12 years, mean BMI 28; 49 PRAs for adrenal metastatectomy were completed (one abandoned due to tumour unresectability, one conversion to anterior laparoscopic approach) across 11 hospitals (49% public). Primary tumours included: 11 colorectal, 11 renal, 8 lung, 6 hepatocellular, 4 sarcoma, 3 breast, 2 melanoma, 2 ovarian and 1 each of pancreatic, oesophageal, testicular and prostate cancer. There were 12 synchronous (<6 months) and 39 metachronous (>6 months after primary diagnosis) tumours; 21 (42%) left sided, none bilateral. Mean operative time was 95 ± 34 minutes, mean maximal tumour diameter was 34 mm ± 13 mm and median length of hospitalization 1 ± 1 days. There were 8 (16%) complications; 1 ICU admission, 1 re-admission for pneumonia and 6 Clavien-Dindo grade I complications. There were 10 (20%) mortalities and a median overall survival of 29 months (range 7–123, n = 41). Disease recurred in 15 (40%) patients (n = 37), with a median disease-free interval of 18 months (range 1–68). Port site recurrence occurred in 2 patients, both simultaneously with disseminated metastases.

Conclusion

In carefully selected patients with adrenal metastases, PRA by high-volume adrenal surgeons has minimal morbidity and short hospitalization. Surgery should be considered prior to local ablation.