Background & objective: Pheochromocytoma is clinically uncommon. Pheochromocytoma patients without hypertension or symptoms are often misdiagnosed. The patients could be cured by surgical removal of the tumor. However, surgery is dangerous if the preoperative preparation was not well done. The authors reported their experiences in surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma.
Methods: Clinical data of 11 patients with pheochromocytoma were reviewed retrospectively to summarize the management of blood pressure during pre-operation and operation.
Results: After excision of the tumors, 11 patients have been followed up for 3 months to 10 years. Blood pressure became normal and symptoms vanished in all patients. Only one patient recurred at paraveterbral sympathetic chain 6 months after operation and underwent another operation for removal of the tumor.
Conclusion: Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for pheochromocytoma. The adequate preoperative preparation is very important for successful surgery.