Anaesthesia for carotid body tumour resection in a patient with the Eisenmenger syndrome

Abstract

SummaryA patient with the Eisenmenger syndrome presented for removal of a carotid body tumour under general anaesthesia. The presentation and management of the case are described and some of the anaesthetic problems associated with these I W O uncommon conditions are discussed. The case is reported because of its rarity and because some of the complications of carotid body surgery may be particularly hazardous in the presence of the Eisenmenger syndrome. The importance of monitoring, of maintaining a stable heart rate and blood volume, and the danger of paradoxical systemic air embolism are stressed.

Continuous cervical plexus block for carotid body tumour excision in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome

“…The anaesthetic management of patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome or carotid body tumour resection are each associated with significant anaesthetic problems, which have been previously described [3–16]. Their coexistence represents a rare and potentially greater anaesthetic challenge, with only a single case report identified in which general anaesthesia was used [17]. Our case represents the first published account of a continuous cervical plexus block for carotid body tumour resection.…”

Surgical management of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome: literature review and case report

“…A common theme throughout the various studies was careful patient selection, intensive monitoring and maintenance of systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Apart from two documented episodes of transient bradycardia, 6 , 7 general anaesthesia was well tolerated; no intra-operative mortality was recorded. Two patients had post-operative complications related to the surgical procedure (i.e.…”

“…Two patients had post-operative complications related to the surgical procedure (i.e. glossopharyngeal nerve palsy and hoarseness of voice); no complication could be attributed to the general anaesthetic 7 , 8 . No post-operative deaths were recorded, despite some patients undergoing major procedures.…”