Perioperative and Hypertensive Crisis Management of Pheochromocytomas

Abstract

With its rarity, non-specific symptoms, and paroxysmal nature, pheochromocytomas can be difficult to diagnose without an index of suspicion. It is crucial that pheochromocytomas are recognized early so that appropriate medical and surgical management can be initiated to avoid pheochromocytoma/hypertensive crises due to catecholamine-induced hemodynamic instability causing end-organ damage. With proper preoperative management with alpha-adrenergic blockade and postoperative monitoring and treatment in the critical care setting, perioperative mortality in pheochromocytoma resections has decreased dramatically since the 1950s.