Risk factors for postoperative severe morbidity after pheochromocytoma surgery: A single center retrospective analysis of 262 patients

Purpose Surgical resection is the primary treatment strategy for pheochromocytoma ; however, it carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The risk factors for severe morbidity remain unclear and require further exploration. We aimed to identify the risk factors for severe morbidity after pheochromocytoma surgery in Chinese patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 262 patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopic or open pheochromocytoma surgery at our center between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. Patient demographics, as well as extensive perioperative data were recorded. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined by multivariate binary logistic regression . Cutoff values and the area under the curve for continuous risk factors were calculated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the 262 patients, 78 (29.8%) had severe morbidity. The independent risk factors for severe morbidity were female sex, lower body mass index , coronary heart disease , longer duration of surgery, and intraoperative hemodynamic instability, with odds ratios of 2.624 (P = 0.003), 0.780 (P < 0.001), 2.098, (P = 0.024), 1.005 (P = 0.031), and 2.920 (P = 0.005). The optimal cut off values for body mass index and duration of surgery were 24.25 kg/m 2 and 203 min. Conclusions Severe morbidity is common in patients after pheochromocytoma surgery. We identified five independent risk factors for severe morbidity: female sex, lower body mass index, coronary heart disease , longer duration of surgery, and intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Identification of these risk factors may help to improve perioperative strategy.