Pheochromocytoma: a clinical and operative study

ABSTRACT

Ten patients with pheochromocytoma were studied as regards clinical presentations, laboratory and radiographic investigations, preoperative preparation, anaesthesia, operative details and operative and postoperative complications.The results showed that the most common site of pheochromocytoma is the suprarenal medulla, the most commonpresentation is hypertension that the 24 hours urinary catecholamines was constantly raised in all patients. CT scan of the abdomen is the most accurate method of localization of the tumour, especially if it is of suprarenal origin.Preoperative preparation with alpha adrenergic receptor blockers is mandatory. Beta adrenergic receptor blockers may or may not be used. Surgical treatment is the ideal method in all patients. The most important operative hazards include hypertensive attacks during tumourmanipulation and hypertension following tumour removal. Persistent hypertention is the most important postoperative complication