Adrenal phaeochromocytoma. Report of a series of 26 cases.

The authors analyse of a series of 26 patients (17 females and 9 males) wit h a mean age of 32 years (range, 18 to 55 years) operated for adrenal phaeo chromocytoma, All patients were hypertensive. The laboratory assessment (as say of blood catecholamines and urinary catecholamine metabolites) performe d in more than 2/3 of cases confirmed the diagnosis in more than 80% of cas es. The topographic diagnosis was facilitated by computed tomography. Fifte en patients received preoperative treatment with alpha-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Various incisions were used, but a lumbar incision was th e most frequent. Blood pressure was controlled postoperatively in 24 patien ts. Two patients died 1 and 2 postoperatively. New diagnostic modalities (C T, MRI) have facilitated the diagnosis and the site of localization of phae ochromocytomas, thereby improving the choice of incision. Patient-specific preoperative preparation and appropriate anaesthesia facilitate successful adrenal gland surgery.