Phaeochromocytoma in late pregnancy; synchronous or delayed tumour resection after delivery by caesarean section?

Four cases of phaeochromocytoma presenting in late pregnancy are described. Delayed tumour resection following caesarean section was successfully employed in 2 cases. During and following delivery, maternal hypertension was easily controlled. Delayed tumour resection enables full pre-operative localisation without risk to the fetus. Furthermore, maternal physiology reverts to normal. Synchronous surgery, in the remaining 2 cases, was associated with serious peri-operative morbidity. In later pregnancy, delivery by caesarean section followed by delayed tumour resection is recommended.