Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting adrenal tumor associated with major perioperative hemodynamic instability. When concurrent major pelvic pathology requires surgery, operative planning becomes particularly challenging. We describe the successful single-stage management of pheochromocytoma and a giant uterine fibroid, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and perioperative optimization. Case: A 49-year-old female with symptomatic uterine fibroid was found to have proliferative endometrium on a pipelle biopsy. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen incidentally detected a right adrenal mass alongside a large posterior uterine fibroid (11.9 × 17.4 × 14.6 cm). CT adrenal protocol demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing right adrenal mass (6.9 × 6.9 × 9.6 cm) with high unenhanced attenuation. Biochemical evaluation revealed markedly elevated 24-hour urinary metanephrine (4.7× upper limit) and normetanephrine (2.4× upper limit). Following multidisciplinary discussions, a single-stage surgical approach was planned after careful assessment of feasibility and perioperative risk in view of the uncertain malignant potential of the pelvic mass and to minimize repeated exposure to anesthesia. Preoperative optimization included transitioning from terazosin to phenoxybenzamine, with subsequent addition of bisoprolol for hemodynamic control. The operative strategy prioritized pheochromocytoma resection first, given its potential for significant hemodynamic instability. Progression to hysterectomy was contingent upon achieving adequate intraoperative hemodynamic stability following adrenalectomy, with continuous reassessment by the anesthetic and surgical teams. Right adrenalectomy was performed first, followed by total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy. Significant hemodynamic lability occurred during tumor manipulation, with hypertensive surges managed using sodium nitroprusside and remifentanil infusions. Following adrenal vein ligation and tumor removal, hypotension was managed with noradrenaline and additional adrenaline support as required. Total operative time was approximately 6 hours. Postoperatively, transient noradrenaline support was required but was rapidly weaned as hemodynamic stability was achieved. Conclusion Single-stage adrenalectomy and major pelvic surgery can be safely performed in selected patients with pheochromocytoma when guided by meticulous preoperative optimization, clear intraoperative sequencing, and close multidisciplinary coordination.
Pheochromocytoma ; Adrenalectomy ; Leiomyoma ; Hysterectomy