Anesthesia for adrenal surgery

Abstract

The successful diagnosis and treatment of patients with adrenal tumors requires a well orchestrated multidisciplinary approach. This chapter emphasizes the perioperative anesthetic concerns associated with adrenal resections.While not meant to be all-inclusive,it highlights important factors in anesthetic decision-making. The surgeon's appreciation of anesthesia-related concerns can facilitate the patient's evaluation and avoid delays in assessment. The goals of the anesthesiologist include: (1) gathering information about the patient's adrenal disease and general health status, (2) identification of specific problems associated with the patient's condition, (3) institution of interventions that will minimize perioperative risks and (4) development of a concise anesthetic and perioperative plan tailored to the patient's individual needs. In general, anesthesia for non-functional adrenal tumors follows the principles for general abdominal surgical cases. Functional tumors,though, require special considerations and are discussed.