All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Introduction: Bilateral synchronous adrenalectomy has the potential for significant surgical and functional morbidity. We reviewed our 15-year experience with bilateral synchronous adrenalectomy to assess safety, surgical outcomes, morbidity and impact on health-related quality of life. Methods: In an IRB approved study, we reviewed our prospective database of patients who underwent bilateral synchronous adrenalectomy for functional tumours between April 2008 and August 2022. Demographic profile, metabolic and radiological parameters, operative details and complications were recorded. Follow-up was obtained either in-person or telephonically and analysed for resolution of symptoms, quality of life using the WHO-QoL BREF questionnaire and complications of chronic steroid intake. Results: During the study period, 337 adrenalectomies were performed which were bilateral in 51 patients, 48 undergoing both surgeries synchronously. 33 of these 48 patients had bilateral pheochromocytomas and 15 had Cushing’s syndrome. Among patients with Cushing’s syndrome, three had life-threatening symptoms requiring urgent bilateral surgery. Clinical details are given in table 1.40 patients had transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery and 8 underwent open surgery (Table 2). There were two intraoperative and 7 post-operative complications. 43 patients were available for follow-up. All had resolution of symptoms, BMI changes, and only two patients continued to receive one antihypertensive medication. Episodes of steroid deficiency occurred in 7 patients while steroid excess occurred in 3 patients. Quality of life was satisfactory in all patients in all domains. Conclusions: Bilateral synchronous adrenalectomy is safe and feasible in patients with functional adrenal tumors. It leads to symptom resolution with amelioration of hypertension and BMI changes with satisfactory overall quality of life. SOURCE OF Funding: None
