Surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas

Purpose: To describe our current protocol for surgical and postsurgical management of abdomi-nal paragangliomas (PGLs) and pheochromocytomas, with a special focus on multidisciplinary management in centres with experience.Methods: The physicians involved in the management of patients with abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas of our hospital reviewed systematically current knowledge on the surgical management of abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas.Results: Currently, surgery is considered the treatment of choice for abdominal PGLs and pheo-chromocytomas. The choice of surgical approach is determined based on the location of the lesion, size, patients acute accent body habitus and the likelihood of malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered the gold standard approach for pheochromocytomas, but open access should be considered in invasive and/or potentially malignant tumours > 8-10 cm and for abdominal PGLs. Postsurgical management of pheochromocytomas and PGLs includes close hemodynamic monitoring and treatment of postsurgical complications, the pathological study of the surgical specimen, reassessment of hormonal and/or radiological status and planning of follow-up based on the risk of recurrence and malignancy.Conclusion: Surgery represents the treatment of choice of most abdominal PGLs and pheochro-mocytomas. Optimal postsurgical evaluation, including hemodynamic, pathological, hormonal, and radiological evaluation, should be performed by a multidisciplinary team specializing in PGL/pheochromocytoma management.(c) 2022 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article describes the current protocol for surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs) and pheochromocytomas, with a special focus on multidisciplinary management in experienced medical centers. Surgery is considered the treatment of choice for these conditions, and the choice of surgical approach depends on factors such as the location, size, and likelihood of malignancy. Postsurgical management includes close monitoring, pathological evaluation, and reassessment of hormonal and radiological status.