Laparoscopic Surgery for Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Removal: A Retrospective Analysis of Anaesthetic Management

Introduction: Minimal invasive approaches to pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) removal may be complicated by the hemodynamic disturbances that are associated with the catecholamine secretion from the tumour. The anaesthetic and perioperative monitoring techniques need to be customized to handle these complications effectively. This retrospective analysis was undertaken to review the perioperative management of these patients handled by the same anaesthetic and surgical team. Methods: Case details were collected and data analysed for the perioperative management of 29 patients who underwent laparoscopic removal of PCC and PGL. Parameters collected included details of preoperative alpha-and beta blockade, tumour size, number of hypertensive surges, dose of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and other vasodilators used and incidence of postoperative hypotension and other complications. Results: All patients received prazosin for pre-operative optimization. Hypertensive emergencies were seen in 4 patients during induction and endotracheal intubation and in 1 patient during pneumoperitoneum insufflation. Overall mean number of hypertensive emergencies was 3.41 (SD-2.45). The patients undergoing PGL removal had significantly more crisis compared to those undergoing unilateral PCC removal. The dose of SNP used correlated significantly with tumour size. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for PCC and PGL removal is associated with hypertensive emergencies which are amenable to usual doses of antihypertensives used intraoperatively. Surgical factors like tumour size and location affect the number of crisis and the dose of anti-hypertensives used more than the anaesthetic drugs and procedures.