[Results of 25-year pheochromocytoma treatment in the Groningen Academic Hospital]. / Resultaten van 25 jaar feochromocytoombehandeling in het Academisch Ziekenhuis Groningen.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 25 years' experience with the localisation techniques, operative management and results of treatment for phaeochromocytoma. DESIGN: Retrospective SETTING: Groningen University Hospital, the Netherlands. METHOD: Localisation results, per- and postoperative morbidity, mortality and treatment results were evaluated in all 59 patients treated for phaeochromocytoma in the period 1970-1995; 41 patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, 18 underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. RESULTS: From the introduction of MIBG scintigraphy all tumour sites were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. The transabdominal operation lead to considerable morbidity and minimal mortality. All MEN type 2 patients (n = 5) treated with unilateral adrenalectomy developed phaeochromocytoma in the contralateral gland and needed total adrenalectomy 7 to 14 years after the initial operation. CONCLUSION: A retroperitoneal approach in surgical treatment of phaeochromocytoma is to be preferred. In MEN type 2 patients bilateral adrenalectomy is still mandatory.