A & A case reports
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Uterine dehiscence is a known but uncommon complication during pregnancy. The symptoms of uterine dehiscence can be subclinical and usually occur during prolonged augmented labor in women who had previous cesarean delivery and/or are carrying a macrosomic baby. ⋯ However, to our knowledge, spontaneous uterine dehiscence during performance of spinal anesthesia for an elective cesarean delivery has not been reported in obstetric anesthesia practice. Here, we report a case of uterine dehiscence while subarachnoid block was being performed.
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We report the case of a 25-year-old female scheduled for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia. At the end of laparoscopy, an intraperitoneal infiltration (ropivacaine 0.75%, 20 mL) was administered by the surgeon without informing the anesthesiologist. ⋯ An infusion of 20% lipid emulsion was successful in converting the ventricular arrhythmia to a sinus rhythm. This overdose could have been avoided with better communication between anesthesiologist and surgeon.
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Patients presenting with alcohol withdrawal syndrome have an increased risk of perioperative events related to hemodynamic and respiratory instability. We present the case of a 49-year-old achondroplastic dwarf in alcohol withdrawal with cervical spinal cord injury and aortic dissection requiring emergency surgery. Due to conflicting perioperative management goals, a decision was made to delay surgery until the patient became clinically stable. Additional options might have been explored and resulted in better outcome.
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Hypotension or bradycardia or both related to intracranial hypotension after craniotomy has been reported in the literature. However, such reports are uncommon with thoracic epidural drains. We describe a case in which application of high negative pressure suction to a thoracic epidural drain caused a sudden decrease in arterial blood pressure.
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Acute aortic occlusion by massive thoracoabdominal thrombi has been reported as a serious complication in patients undergoing major vascular or cardiac surgical procedures. However, this complication occurs rarely after ambulatory procedures. In this case report, we describe a patient who experienced paraplegia after an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in whom acute aortic thromboembolic occlusion was subsequently diagnosed. We emphasize the importance of accurate neurologic and cardiovascular history taking and examination throughout the perioperative period along with the appropriate diagnostic studies to expeditiously arrive at a diagnosis of such a rare complication.