Anesthetic management of a child undergoing bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine secreting neuroendocrine tumor in children. It is usually localized unilaterally in adults but often bilaterally in children. The symptoms are variable related to the level of secreted catecholamine. The most common symptoms are hypertension, tachycardia and headache. Beta blockers, alcohol consumption, injection of contrast substance and surgical procedures may lead to attacks. The most effective treatment is surgical resection. In recent years, laparoscopic surgery has been more preferred. Anesthetic management is very important in this cases. Especially, sudden hemodynamic changes may be observed during laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In our case, the control of hemodynamic changes with esmolol and norepinephrine infusion were discussed during bilaterally laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a 14-year old child with pheochromocytoma.