Successful outcomes in pheochromocytoma surgery in the modern era

Purpose: We describe our experience with surgical management, complications and treatment outcome of histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma. Materials and Methods: The records of 113 patients who underwent surgical e xcision of pheochromocytoma were reviewed and assessed for preoperative med ical treatment, intraoperative findings, postoperative hospitalization and complications. Results: There were no surgical mortalities. Average length of stay in the intensive care unit was 1.2 days. There were only 6 major cardiovascular co mplications all of which occurred in patients who received preoperative med ications, including 5 with cr blockade. Patients receiving no preoperative a blockade required an average of 956 cc less in total intraoperative fluid s, which approached statistical significance, and 479 cc less fluids on pos toperative day 1, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Preoperative alpha-adrenergic blockade is not; essential in ph eochromocytoma patients. Calcium channel blockers are just as effective and safer when used as the primary mode of antihypertensive therapy. Surgery f or pheochromocytoma is safe in the modern era.