Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour that may he discovered incidentally duri
ng a surgical operation that can sometimes cause fatal arrhythmias. The aut
hors report 3 cases of phaeochromocytoma presenting in the form of hyperten
sive crisis and serious arrhythmias following manipulation of the tumour wi
th a fatal outcome in 2 cases. These cases illustrate the severity and comp
lexity of the problems, encountered and the importance of preoperative dete
ction of phaeochromocytomas, particularly at the pre-anaesthetic visit.