Robotic adrenalectomy versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: The application of robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has been increasing. However, there is still controversy about whether RA is more feasible than laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RA vs. LA for PHEO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed, Ovid, and Scopus databases was performed to identify eligible studies up to April 2021. All studies comparing RA versus LA for PHEO were included. Data were analysed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. RESULTS: Overall, 4 studies including 386 patients (RA 155; LA 231) were included. RA might have larger tumour size (WMD = 0.72 cm, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.13; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time (WMD = –12.49 min, 95% CI: –29.50 to 4.52; p = 0.15), estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD = –28.48 ml, 95% CI: –58.92, 1.95; p = 0.07), transfusion rate (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.07 to 7.07; p = 0.77), or conversion rate (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.07 to 2.88; p = 0.39). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.82; p = 0.84) and Clavien Dindo score ≥ 3 complications (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.39 to 3.41; p = 0.80). Patients from the RA group could benefit from shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = –0.51 days, 95% CI –0.91 to –0.12; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RA is a feasible, safe, and comparable treatment option for PHEO.