Intraoperative discovery of phaeochromocytoma: report of 3 cases.

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.