[Pheochromocytoma]

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor which develops in chromaffin cells and secrets excessive catecholamine. Unless patients harboring this uncommon tumor are exactly diagnosed preoperatively, well prepared, and protected from the effects of excessive catecholamine release, they are greatly at risk when undergoing any surgical procedures. This brief review contains the clinical symptoms, signs and syndromes associated with pheochromocytoma, the diagnostic methods which may identify and localize the lesion, the regimens of preoperative preparation and pharmacological control, the anesthetic management which has proved safe and effective in many patients, the anesthetic agents which may be contraindicated in some patients, and the postoperative management.