[Anesthesia in head and neck paragangliomas]

Head and neck paragangliomas are infrequent tumors that, for various reasons, may pose a particular challenge to anesthesiologists. It is especially important to rule out vasoactive amine secretion by the tumor and, when this occurs, to establish appropriate medical treatment before surgery as well as to maintain hemodynamic stability in the perioperative period. Balanced anesthetic techniques that allow early awakening and neurological evaluation are recommended. Bleeding, which can be profuse, must be closely monitored. In the postoperative period, special attention must be paid to the risk of bronchial aspiration and the development of compressive cervical hematoma, as well as to the possibility of stroke.