title: Combined general and epidural anaesthesia for excision of phaeochromocytoma--a unique and safe technique.
abstract: Surgical excision of phaeochromocytoma is usually associated with elevation of arterial blood pressure above 200 mmHg for some time irrespective of the use or not of preoperative alpha-adrenergic blockade. Attempts at controlling the elevated blood pressure usually involve the use of many drugs through induction, maintenance, termination and post operative period. We recently used a combined general and epidural anaesthesia for excision of a huge phaeochromocytoma in a 24 yr old Nigerian lady with a satisfactory outcome. The combined technique seemed to have modified the anaesthetic course considerably, resulting in the use of fewer drugs and a steady haemodynamic state which is very unusual in anaesthesising patients with phaeochromocytoma (see haemodynamic record Illustration II). Post-operative analgesia was provided with morphine given through the epidural catheter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Sotunmbi
authors.forename: O B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Shittu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Windokun
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Eyelade
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents