Journal of clinical anesthesia
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We report the use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to guide the management of a 29-year-old primigravida at 36weeks' gestation with portal hypertension, esophageal varices, suspected pseudocholinesterase deficiency, and steroid refractory thrombocytopenia presenting to labor and delivery with worsening peripheral edema and new-onset hypertension. A multidisciplinary decision for preoperative platelet transfusion and cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was made, guided by ROTEM. A successful cesarean delivery was performed with no bleeding complications.
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Intubating introducers are often used to facilitate difficult endotracheal intubation. We report a case in which a Frova catheter was used for insertion of a laser-resistant endotracheal tube and in which a strip of plastic was shaved off from the catheter. The plastic strip formed a convolute mass, causing relevant airway obstruction. Clinicians should be aware of this potentially dangerous complication and should be cautious in using Frova intubating introducers in combination with laser-resistant tubes.
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Total paraplegia after epidural or spinal anesthesia is extremely rare. We herein report a case of total paraplegia caused by a giant intradural herniation of a lumbar disk at the L3-L4 level after total hip arthroplasty for coxarthrosis. The patient had no preoperative neurologic abnormalities. ⋯ Postoperatively, the patient complained of numbness and total paraplegia of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a giant herniation of a lumbar disk compressing the spinal cord at the L3-L4 level. The intradural herniation was surgically treated, and the patient's symptoms completely resolved.
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Case Reports
Use of a video laryngoscope to facilitate removal of a long, sharp-pointed blade from the esophagus.
Initial management of ingested esophageal foreign bodies involves airway assessment, determination of the requirement for and timing of therapeutic intervention, risk mitigation during removal, and identification of all indicated equipment for retrieval. Long, sharp-pointed objects lodged in the esophagus require emergent attention and should be retrieved endoscopically, if perforation has not occurred. ⋯ Video laryngoscopy provides improved recognition of anatomical structures in both normal and difficult airways, enabling assessment for hypopharyngeal and glottic trauma resulting from foreign body ingestion. The indirect view of video laryngoscopy also facilitates the coordinated manipulation of the airway by both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon as they visualize the anatomy together while securing the airway and removing the foreign body.
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Survivors of myocardial infarction might have residual damage and higher risks of developing heart failure. This increasing complication encompasses up to 45% of all infarcts. ⋯ To guide the surgeon during the intervention we used a real-time 3D echocardiography, enlightening the fact that guidance is crucial for that kind of procedure. To lower postoperative pain and the inflammatory response we have administered successfully intravenous lidocaine, indicating that it is possible to avoid regional anesthesia in patients with multiple sclerosis scheduled for mini-invasive left ventricular reconstruction requiring a mini-thoracotomy.