The perioperative management of children with phaeochromocytoma

The safe anaesthetic management of a child with a phaeochromocytoma require s an understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, together with a t horough knowledge of its pharmacology, in order to avoid or minimize the po tentially harmful cardiovascular changes that may occur during anaesthesia. Although there is a considerable amount of information on the management o f the adult with phaeochromocytoma, much less has been written concerning c hildren with the disease. Children differ significantly from adults in the incidence, location, presentation and management of this condition and thes e differences are discussed here together with some of the more controversi al issues of management.