Haemodynamic changes during retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma

Surgical removal of phaeochromocytoma may be accompanied by acute cardiovas cular changes. We report the haemodynamic changes in seven patients with re troperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma. Transient h ypertension (systolic pressure (SBP) > 160 mm Hg) was observed in all patie nts during manipulation of the tumour, in two patients during pneumoretrope ritoneum insufflation, and in one patient during intubation. Small doses of nicardipine were sufficient to control these episodes of hypertension. Tra nsient hypotension (SBP < 100 mm Hg) was observed in two patients during ex sufflation and in one patient during repositioning to the lateral position. Our observations suggest that this approach provides relative haemodynamic stability, especially during pneumoretroperitoneum insufflation.