Pheochromocytoma is a rare pathology with a worldwide incidence of about 0,4-9,1 cases per 1 million. Many series report an incidental finding in about 61% of all cases. Although the classic triad (headache, tachycardia/palpitations, sweating) is present only in about 25% of cases, half of all patients experience at least one of those symptoms.
Surgery is the treatment of choice. For adrenal masses up to 6-8 cm without malignancy suspicion, we prefer the posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Pheochromocytoma is no exception.
I present a video of a posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy to remove a 5 cm pheochromocytoma in the left adrenal gland. In preparation for surgery, the patient was medicated with phenoxybenzamine for three weeks till blood pressure control was achieved, with mild orthostatic hypotension. Post-operative period was uneventful. Patient was discharged home two days after surgery.
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Dr. Carlos Eduardo Costa Almeida
General Surgeon