Experience in the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma

A report is presented on the experience gained in diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas in a group of 41 patients, observed and treated in the surgical clinic of the University Hospital of Leyden. Two groups are distinguished: patients observed before and after 1969. Prior to that year, anti-adrenergic blockade with dibenzyline and propanolol was not available, so aortography was practically impossible in view of the danger of triggering a hyptertensive crisis. Since 1969, this blockade has been applied systematically, both for the aortography which is now a routine measure and for the operation. By using subtotal adrenergic blockade, the surgical treatment of pheochromocytomas may now be regarded as safe.