Abstract
Endocrine active adrenal tumors are associated with a relevant risk of complications
during surgery, either due to direct hemodynamic effects of the hormone excess or
due to hormone related comorbidities. Over the last decades, careful preoperative
evaluation and improved peri-interventional medical management of affected patients
has resulted in a significant reduction of perioperative complications. In addition,
improvement in anesthesia and surgical techniques with the feasibility of laparoscopic
adrenalectomy have contributed to reduce morbidity. Nevertheless, there are still
several challenges to be considered in the perioperative care of these patients. Due
to the rarity of functionally active adrenal tumors, there are no prospective data
available to guide clinical management. Accordingly, most recommendations are based
on retrospective data analysis, expert opinion or carry weak evidence based on small
series or case reports. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge
and to suggest practical approaches to reduce perioperative complications in endocrine
active adrenal tumors. This review exclusively deals with data from adult patients
with functionally active adrenal tumors.
Key words
pheochromocytoma - paraganglioma - primary aldosteronism - Cushing’s syndrome - surgery
- laparoscopy - perioperative management