Metastasis to the adrenal gland: the emerging role of laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Background: It is unclear whether resection of clinically isolated metastasis to the adrenal gland improves survival. Also, the role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for metastasis is controversial. This study aimed to (1) identify patients who are most likely to have prolonged survival after resection of adrenal metastasis and (2) compare oncological outcomes of LA and open adrenalectomy (OA).

Methods: A retrospective review of 41 patients, who underwent either OA or LA for metastasis to the adrenal gland during 1997-2002 at a single institution, was conducted.

Results: There were 20 women and 21 men, with a median age of 59 years. The most common disease was non-small-cell lung carcinoma (n = 23), followed by renal cell carcinoma (n = 6). With a median follow-up of 16 months, the overall five-year actuarial survival was 29% (median, 28 months). Four patients were actually alive at four years after adrenalectomy. Disease-free interval (DFI) > 6 months was the only significant predictor of improved survival. LA was performed for 11 patients. There was no difference in the incidence of positive resection-margins or survival between patients with OA or LA.

Conclusions: Adrenalectomy for metastasis, with intent to prolong survival, should be offered to patients with favorable tumor biology, such as those with significant DFI. The oncological outcome from LA appears similar to that from OA.