Anesthetic management of bilateral pheochromocytoma resection in Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND: Von Hippel-Lindau disease (also known as VHL syndrome), is an autosomal dominant inherited disease. We describe a sporadic case of VHL syndrome where bilateral pheochromocytomas were unexpectedly identified. The patient underwent selective laparoscopic resections of the pheochromocytomas, and the anesthetic management during surgery was complex and challenging. CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old man presented to our hospital to seek medical advice for infertility without any other complaints. The results of computed tomography and catecholamine levels in blood and urine demonstrated adrenal gland masses which were diagnosed as pheochromocytomas. Further examination confirmed that the patient also had VHL syndrome. After thorough preparation, the patient underwent selective laparoscopic resection of the pheochromocytomas and was discharged 10 d after surgery. We describe the process of perioperative anesthesia management in this patient undergoing pheochromocytoma resection. CONCLUSION: This case summaries specific clinical traits and considerations in perioperative anesthesia management for VHL syndrome patients undergoing bilateral pheochromocytoma resection.