[A case of spinal anesthesia in a 104-year-old woman]

We gave spinal anesthesia for a super-aged patient (104 year-old female) who underwent insertion of prosthesis for femoral neck fracture. One point eight ml of 0.3% dibucaine was used as local anesthetic, and the analgesic below Th10 level was obtained. To monitor the respiratory and circulatory functions during operation, pulse-oximeter and invasive arterial pressure were used. Dopamine and metaraminol were given to prevent hypotension and the operation was completed uneventfully. This anesthetic experience suggests that, for the anesthesia of a super-aged patient it is mandatory not only to clearly identify the complications and the physical features of the patient but also to explain to the patient the anesthetic as well as operative procedures. Besides, we have to manage elderly patients receiving spinal anesthesia carefully, considering intraoperative problems as well as the possibility of resorting to general anesthesia.