Preservation of adrenocortical function during surgery for bilateral pheochromocytoma

A case is reported of bilateral pheochromocytoma treated by bilateral adrenalectomy. A portion of the left adrenal cortex was left in the adrenal bed, although the arterial and venous blood supply had been ligated. A successful autograft was documented 15 years postoperatively. A review of the literature failed to reveal any such successful attempt in the management of bilateral pheochromocytoma. The patient has a normally functioning adrenal cortex that responds to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation in the usual manner. The procedure is recommended in cases of bilateral pheochromocytoma because of its apparent ease and because it obviates the need for a lifetime of adrenocortical steroid replacement.