Final answer:
An elevated VMA in the urine suggests the presence of a pheochromocytoma, which is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland. An important anesthetic consideration for these patients is the potential for sudden release of catecholamines during surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elevated VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) in the urine suggests the presence of a pheochromocytoma, which is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excessive amounts of adrenaline and related hormones. An important anesthetic consideration for these patients is the potential for sudden release of catecholamines during surgery, which can cause severe hypertension (high blood pressure) and other cardiovascular complications.