Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted vs Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) and standard laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). METHODS: We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Science databases for studies published through January 2021. Controlled trials on RA and LA for PHEOs were included. The meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Four studies with 386 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in OT (WMD: 0.16; 95% CI: -28.50 to 28.82; I(2) = 89%; P = 0.99), transfusion rate (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.07 to 7.07; I(2) = 64%; P = 0.77), conversion rate (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.07 to 2.88; I(2) = 0%; P = 0.39), complication rate (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.82; I(2) = 0%; P = 0.84) among patients undergoing RA and LA. However, compared with patients who underwent LA, patients who underwent RA had a shorter LOS (OR: -0.50; 95% CI: -0.55 to 0.45; I(2) = 31%; P<0.01), less EBL (WMD: -0.85; 95% CI: -13.56 to -2.54; I(2) = 44%; P<0.01), and fewer IHD (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.70; I(2) = 0%; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The RA for pheochromocytoma achieve better outcomes over LA in terms of safety and efficacy.