Anaesthesia for phaeochromocytoma resection: role of thoracic epidural blockade.

Two case reports are presented of patients who underwent surgical removal of phaeochromocytoma at Goroka Base Hospital, one with the use of thoracic epidural blockade supplemented with light general anaesthesia. This patient had a much smoother perioperative anaesthetic course than the other, with minimal elevation of blood pressure during the procedure. The paper highlights the value of epidural blockade for excision of phaeochromocytoma, especially in situations where the latest recommended methods and advanced monitoring facilities are unavailable.