Total replacement of the aorta and the inferior vena cava after resection of an extra-adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma

Extra-adrenal malignant pheochromocytomas are difficult to operate on becau se of a tight adhesion to the circumference of tumors. However, an operatio n is the most curable treatment, Sometimes a replacement of the inferior ve na cava with grafts is necessary for removing tumors completely, We totally replaced the aorta and the, inferior vena cava after resection of an extra -adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma. No recurrence has been detected, and t he aortic graft has had a good patency after 36 months postoperatively. But the vena caval graft has had no patency after 21 months postoperatively, C opyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.