Robotic Adrenalectomy in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Pheochromocytoma

A 27-year-old female with a past medical history of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presented with obstructive hydrocephalus due to a thalamic tumor. The neurosurgery team attempted an operative intervention twice, but both times, the patient experienced a hypertensive emergency and unstable supraventricular tachycardia upon induction of anesthesia. After the second failed surgery, a pheochromocytoma was suspected and the workup demonstrated a left pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytomas in patients with NF1 are known to be more dangerous and labile, requiring in-depth discussion and preparation by personnel in endocrinology, anesthesia, neurosurgery, and minimally invasive surgery. Once the patient was stable and deemed fit for surgery, a robotic adrenalectomy followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement began. After induction of anesthesia, the patient went into hypertensive emergency again. However, the anesthesia team was prepared and quickly resolved this with medical therapy. Minimally invasive surgeons had the patient’s live vitals displayed on their robotic monitors to increase their awareness of patient hemodynamics. This provided live feedback on the surgeons’ effect as they removed the pheochromocytoma. Surgeons also performed vein clamping to preemptively see the effects of adrenalectomy. When vein clamping demonstrated safety to proceed, adrenalectomy was completed without complication. This case not only highlights the rare pathology of a woman with NF1 with pheochromocytoma, but it also demonstrates the importance of preparedness and communication among a multidisciplinary team in complex cases to ensure a successful outcome. Novel techniques were also used in performing a robotic-assisted adrenalectomy that can aid other adrenal surgeons.