Surgical Management of Acute Appendicitis in a Patient with Diagnosed but "Unprepared" Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor originating from the adrenal gland, characterized by the secretion of catecholamines. Due to the risk of hypertensive crises associated with catecholamine release, surgical procedures in pheochromocytoma patients are risky. In this case report, laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in a patient who has pheochromocytoma will be presented. A 49-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain. Physical examination showed guarding and rebound in the right lower quadrant. The patient, who had leukocytosis in the investigations, showed signs of acute appendicitis and a 5 cm right adrenal mass on the abdominal computed tomography. A previous abdominal magnetic resonance imaging by the endocrinology department six months ago revealed a 39x32 mm mass in the right adrenal gland and elevated urinary catecholamine levels. It was learned that the patient had not attended follow-up appointments during this period. The patient was consulted by endocrinology and an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. The patient, discharged on the 2nd day after surgery, did not experience any complications. The patient was referred to endocrinology, and preoperative preparations for pheochromocytoma surgery were initiated. In cases of emergency in patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma emergency surgery can be performed with appropriate preoperative preparation.