[Pheochromocytoma. Experience of 60 operations]

Between 1971 and 1987, 60 patients presenting 68 pheochromocytomas were operated on in the University Teaching Hospital of Lille. Diagnosis has been transformed by the use of CT scan, which for the last 10 years has enabled the lesion to be more reliably localized than by MIBG scintigraphic scanning. Combination of the two investigations enables the diagnosis to be confirmed in 100% of cases. The following topics are covered: preparation for surgery with the indications for alpha and beta blockers, route of approach--preferably median laparotomy--and operative sequelae as a function of the benign or malignant nature of the tumor.