Anesthesia for polycythemia vera

Cystoscopy was postponed on an 80-year-old male found to have a hematocrit of 57%. After the diagnosis of polycythemia vera was made, he was phlebotomized and treated with hydroxyurea. He was readmitted 2 months later for transurethral resection of the prostate. After the induction of general endotracheal anesthesia with thiopental and succinylcholine, anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, thiopental, and atracurium. Recovery was uneventful. Polycythemia vera is a disease process in which control prior to surgery decreases the frequency of perioperative complications. A discussion and short literature review on polycythemia vera and anesthesia are included.