Low dose unilateral spinal anaesthesia for lower limb amputation in critically ill patients

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of lower limb infection and gangrene. In Malaysia, they frequently present late and are often in septic shock with multi-organ dysfunction. We report on two patients who presented for lower limb amputation in a desperate attempt to control sepsis and save their lives. Both patients were classified as ASA 5. Both patients had successfully undergone surgery under low dose unilateral spinal anaesthesia. The anaesthetic management of these critically ill patients in view of limited resources is discussed.