Caudal anesthesia in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension

Delivery of anesthesia to patients with severe pulmonary hypertension can be extremely challenging. The profound hemodynamic alterations of the disease can often be exacerbated by alterations in circulatory function brought about by anesthetic and surgical interventions. High perioperative morbidity and mortality rates have been reported. Minimizing adverse outcomes in these patients requires careful perioperative evaluation and planning. Selection of an anesthetic technique suitable for the surgery without causing major hemodynamic alterations, which can lead to cardiac failure and death, is a unique consideration of the anesthesia provider. As shown in this case report, caudal anesthesia, when appropriate, can offer a safe anesthetic for these patients.