Surgery for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas: Current practice in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: There is wide variability in the perioperative management of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) in different centres. This study aimed to summarise the management of PPGLs as reported in the United Kingdom Registry for Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS) database and to determine current perioperative management of PPGLs by surveying UK clinicians.

Methods: Data recorded on UKRETS from 2005 to 2021 were subjected to descriptive analyses. British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons members were invited to participate in an open survey relating to the perioperative management of patients with PPGLs.

Results: A total of 2,007 operations for PPGL from 49 participating centres were included. The median annual workload in each centre was four cases. Operations were performed predominantly laparoscopically (69%). The median length of stay (4 days) was the same in groups of surgeons stratified by volume. The survey had 29 respondents from 22 centres across the UK, and a formal protocol for perioperative management exists in 48% of the centres. Phenoxybenzamine (72%) was preferred for alpha-blockade. The practice of admitting patients for optimisation from 1 to 7 days before the day of surgery was common (62%). Central venous pressure and blood glucose monitoring were mentioned as routine intraoperative adjuncts by 72% of the responders.

Conclusions: There is significant variation in the workload and perioperative management of PPGLs in the UK. This is potentially detrimental to patient outcomes and a consensus document might be beneficial to harmonise practice across the UK.