Experience in the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma.

ABSTRACT

A report is presented on the experience gained in diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas in a group of 41 patients, observed and treated in the surgical clinic of the University Hospital of Leyden. Two groups are distinguished patients observed before and after 1969. Prior to that year, anti-adrenergic blockade with dibenzyline and propanolol was not available, so aortography was practically impossible in view of the danger of triggering a hyptertensive crisis. Since 1969, this blockade has been applied systematically, both for the aortography which is now a routine measure and for the operation. By using subtotal adrenergic blockade, the surgical treatment of pheochromocytomas may now be regarded as safe.