PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Course overview

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA (PCC) IS A RARE CATECHOLAMINE-SECRETING TUMOR OF ADRENAL ORIGIN. WHEN IT IS EXTRA-ADRENAL, IT IS REFERRED TO AS PARAGANGLIOMA. PCC IS THE CAUSE OF HYPERTENSION IN 1 IN 500 ADULTS. THESE TUMORS ARE USUALLY DIAGNOSED BY THE 4TH TO 5TH DECADE AND ARE FOUND EQUALLY IN BOTH GENDERS. HEREDITARY PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA USUALLY PRESENTS AT A YOUNGER AGE. THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF PCC, ITS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS USED TO DIAGNOSE PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA. THIS ACTIVITY ENTAILS PRE-OPERATIVE OPTIMIZATION OF PATIENTS FOR RESECTION OF PCC. THIS CME EDUCATES ON DETAILED INTRA-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING HEMODYNAMIC MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF POSSIBLE INTRA-OP COMPLICATIONS. POST-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED. IN ADDITION, A SMALL SECTION ON THE SURGICAL APPROACH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED.