Pheochromocytoma in Urologic Practice

Context: Pheochromocytoma is regularly encountered in urologic practice and requires a thoughtful and careful clinical approach. Objective: To review clinical aspects of the management of pheochromocytoma in urologic practice. Evidence acquisition: A systematic review of English-language literature was performed through 2015 using the Medline database. Manuscripts were selected with consensus of the coauthors and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis criteria. Evidence synthesis: Findings and recommendations of the evaluated manuscripts were discussed with an emphasis on the description of presentation, diagnosis, evaluation, and perioperative care. Conclusions: In addition to surgical expertise, appropriate management of pheochromocytoma in urologic practice requires a nuanced understanding of pathophysiology, genetics, and endocrinologic principles. When skillfully managed, the vast majority of patients with pheochromocytoma can expect an excellent prognosis. Patient summary: We review the clinical approach to patients with pheochromocytoma, a tumor that stems from the innermost part of the adrenal gland and often secretes excessive amounts of powerful hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline. Significant expertise is required to appropriately manage patients with these tumors. In addition to surgical expertise, appropriate management of pheochromocytoma in urologic practice requires nuanced understanding of pathophysiology, genetics, and endocrinologic principles. When skillfully managed, the vast majority of patients with pheochromocytoma should expect an excellent prognosis.