Our Summary
Phaeochromocytomas are rare tumors that can sometimes come back after surgery. Currently, there is a lack of long-term studies on the results of laparoscopic surgery (a less invasive type of surgery) for these tumors. This study aimed to fill this gap.
Between 1999 and 2017, data was collected on all patients with a certain type of adrenal tumor or paraganglioma. The medical records of these patients, including any imaging, were reviewed in 2021.
Out of 135 patients with phaeochromocytoma who had surgery, 118 (87.4%) had laparoscopic surgery. Five of these had to be switched to open surgery, but 117 had a successful operation. None of these patients died during or after the surgery.
After around 10 years, only 3 patients (2.6%) died from the tumor spreading elsewhere in the body. Another patient had the tumor spread to their lymph nodes, which was removed with open surgery. No patients had the tumor come back in the same place, and the only significant factor that increased the chances of the tumor coming back was if it had spread to the lymph nodes.
Two patients had the tumor appear on the opposite adrenal gland, and one of these patients also had a paraganglioma. The chances of being tumor-free were estimated to be 96% after 5 years and 92% after 10 years.
In conclusion, this study shows that long-term results of laparoscopic surgery for patients with a phaeochromocytoma are as good, if not better, than those from open surgery.
FAQs
- What is the success rate of laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma patients according to the study?
- What were the long-term outcomes for patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma?
- What factors increased the chances of the tumor coming back after laparoscopic surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient that laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas has shown to have successful long-term outcomes with a low risk of the tumor coming back in the same place. They may also mention that the chances of being tumor-free after 5 and 10 years are high, around 96% and 92%, respectively. It is important to follow up with regular check-ups to monitor for any potential recurrence or spread of the tumor.
Suitable For
Patients with phaeochromocytomas or paragangliomas are typically recommended laparoscopic surgery, as this study shows that it can be just as effective, if not more effective, than open surgery in terms of long-term outcomes. Laparoscopic surgery has the advantage of being less invasive, resulting in fewer complications and a quicker recovery time for patients.
Timeline
Overall, the timeline for a patient with a phaeochromocytoma before laparoscopic surgery would involve diagnosis, preoperative assessments, and surgical planning. The actual surgery would then take place, typically lasting a few hours.
After laparoscopic surgery, patients would typically spend a few days in the hospital for recovery before being discharged. They would then have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure there are no complications.
Long-term follow-up would involve regular check-ups and imaging to monitor for any signs of the tumor coming back or spreading. Based on the results of this study, the chances of being tumor-free after 5 and 10 years are quite high, with a low rate of recurrence or spread to other parts of the body.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas?
- How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas?
- What is the success rate of laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas compared to open surgery?
- How long will the recovery process be after laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas?
- Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make post-surgery to prevent the tumor from coming back?
- What are the chances of the tumor spreading or recurring after laparoscopic surgery?
- Will I need any imaging or tests to monitor the tumor after the surgery?
- Are there any specific factors about my case that may affect the outcome of laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas?
- Can you provide me with more information or resources about laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytomas?
Reference
Authors: O’Dwyer PJ, Chew C, Zino S, Serpell MG. Journal: BJS Open. 2022 May 2;6(3):zrac076. doi: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrac076. PMID: 35754193