Perioperative management of a patient with a malignant pheochromocytoma

Abstract

A case report is presented of a patient with a known malignant pheochromocytoma, who was to undergo an orthopaedic procedure using methylmethacrylate bone cement. Preoperalive preparation of the patient included the use of prazosin and metyrosine. Epidural blockade was chosen as the anaesthetic technique for intraoperative management. Surgical fixation with methylmethacrylate did not produce profound or prolonged hypotension despite sudden massive blood loss prior to its use. Epidural morphine was administered for post-operative pain control. © 1985 Canadian Anesthesiologists.