Pheochromocytoma—Anesthetic and Surgical Considerations

Abstract

Eleven consecutive cases of pheochromocytoma were successfully diagnosed and surgically cured. The rational anesthetic management of a patient with pheochromocytoma should be based on a firm foundation of applied pharmacology. Cardiovascular control is best maintained symptomatically using phentolamine (Regitine) hydrochloride to control excessive hypertension, and with appropriate vasopressors, whole blood or plasma and possible cortisone acetate, to combat hypotension after the tumor is removed. The advantages associated with the transabdominal surgical approach are stressed. The patient with pheochromocytoma can tolerate anesthesia and the associated surgical procedure well through the combined efforts of the anesthesiologist and surgeon in executing their specific responsibilities.