Alpha Blocker Versus Calcium Channel Blocker for Pheochromocytoma

The perioperative management of patients undergoing surgical resection of pheochromocytoma is essential to good outcomes. Historically high mortality rates associated with surgery have been mitigated by perioperative management of hemodynamics. Several options exist for the preoperative medical blockade of patients with catecholamine-producing tumors, including non-selective alpha-receptor blockers, selective alpha1-receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers. In this chapter, we summarize the available data and provide recommendations for the optimal preoperative medical management of patients undergoing surgical resection of pheochromocytoma.