Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(7): 400-404
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1225339
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Preoperative Preparation for Pheochromocytoma Resection: Physician Survey and Clinical Practice

C. Wong 1 , R. Yu 1
  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
Further Information

Publication History

received 03.02.2009 first decision 08.05.2009

accepted 25.05.2009

Publication Date:
16 July 2009 (online)

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to assess the perceptions of endocrinologists regarding sufficient preoperative preparation for resection of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and to evaluate how patients with PHEO are actually managed preoperatively. A survey on methods of preoperative preparation was sent to all 39 endocrinologists who had privilege at a large academic hospital. The charts of 43 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for PHEO resection at this hospital between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed. Age, tumor size, blood pressure medications, volume assessment and repletion, duration of preparation, preoperative and intraoperative blood pressures, and length of stay were recorded. Sixteen endocrinologists (41%) returned surveys, with 15 questionnaires completely answered. Seven endocrinologists who saw more PHEOs (5.9 cases per 5 years) indicated they would manage preoperative preparation themselves while 8 endocrinologists who saw 0.4 case per 5 years would refer the care to a subspecialist. Six of the 7 self-managing endocrinologists recognized all important components of preoperative preparation. All 43 patients received appropriate anti-hypertensive medications for PHEO and had blood pressure well controlled preoperatively; however volume status was not addressed in medical records of 65% of patients and only about 50% of patients received preoperative preparation that lasted longer than 1 week. Suboptimal preoperative preparation was associated with longer length of stay but not with intraoperative or postoperative labile blood pressure. We conclude that most endocrinologists possess correct judgment and knowledge on preoperative preparation for PHEO resection. In clinical practice, however, a significant number of patients are not optimally managed preoperatively. Endocrinologists should pay more attention to volume repletion and adequate duration of preparation in clinical practice.

References

  • 1 Agarwal A, Gupta S, Mishra AK. et al . Normotensive pheochromocytoma: institutional experience.  World J Surg. 2005;  29 1185-1188
  • 2 Boutros AR, Bravo EL, Zanettin G. et al . Perioperative management of 63 patients with pheochromocytoma.  Cleve Clin J Med. 1990;  57 613-617
  • 3 Craco RM, Eckaldt JW, Wiswell JG. Pheochromocytorna. Treatment with alpha and beta adrenergic agents.  JAMA. 1977;  202 807-810
  • 4 Engelbrecht ER, Hugill JT, Graves HB. Anaesthetic management of pheochromocytoma.  Cana Anaesth Soc J. 1966;  13 598-606
  • 5 Goldstein RE, O’Neill  JA, Holcomb  3rd  GW. et al . Clinical experience over 48 years with pheochromocytoma.  Ann Surg. 1999;  229 755-764
  • 6 Iijima T, Takagi T, Iwao Y. An increased circulating blood volume does not prevent hypotension after pheochromocytoma resection.  Can J Anaesth. 2004;  51 212-215
  • 7 Kinney MA, Warner ME, vanHeerden JA. et al . Perianesthetic risks and outcomes of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma resection.  Anesth Analg. 2000;  91 ((5)) 1118-1123
  • 8 Manger WM, Eisenhofer G. Pheochromocytoma: diagnosis and management update.  Curr Hypert Rep. 2005;  6 477-484
  • 9 Pacak K. Preoperative management of the pheochromocytoma patient.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;  92 4069-4079
  • 10 Plouin PF, Duclos JM, Soppelsa F. et al . Factors associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients with pheochromocytoma: analysis of 165 operations at a single center.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;  86 ((4)) 1480-1486
  • 11 Ross EJ, Prichard BN, Kaufman L. et al . Preoperative and operative management of patients with pheochromocytoma.  Br Med J. 1967;  1 191-198
  • 12 Samaan NA, Hickey RC, Shutts PE. Diagnosis, localization, and management of pheochromocytoma. Pitfalls and follow-up in 41 patients.  Cancer. 1988;  62 2451-2460
  • 13 Shen SJ, Cheng HM, Chiu AW. et al . Perioperative hypertensive crisis in clinically silent pheochromocytomas: report of four cases.  Chang Gung Med J. 2005;  28 44-50
  • 14 Steinsapir J, Carr AA, Prisant M. et al . Metyrosine and pheochromocytoma.  Arch Intern Med. 1997;  157 901-906
  • 15 Stenström G, Haljamäe H, Tisell LE. Influence of pre-operative treatment with phenoxybenzamine on the incidence of adverse cardiovascular reactions during anaesthesia and surgery for phaeochromocytoma.  Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 1985;  29 797-803
  • 16 Ulchaker JC, Goldfarb DA, Bravo EL. et al . Successful outcomes in pheochromocytoma surgery in the modern era.  J Urol. 1999;  161 764-767
  • 17 van der Horst-Schrivers AN, Kerstens MN, Wolffenbuttel BH. Preoperative pharmacological management of pheochromocytoma.  Neth J Med. 2006;  64 290-295
  • 18 Young  Jr  WF. The incidentally discovered adrenal mass.  N Engl J Med. 2007;  356 601-610

Correspondence

Dr. R. YuMD, PhD 

Division of Endocrinology and Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Center

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

B-131

8700 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles

CA 90048

United States

Phone: +310/423/47 74

Fax: +310/423/04 40

Email: run.yu@cshs.org