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Asystole during lumbar discectomy: a case report
Vikas Chauhan1, Ankita Tiwari1, Girija Prasad Rath1
1Department of Neuroanaesthesiology & Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (A.I.I.M.S.), New Delhi, India.
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
|May 18, 2016
Summary
Bradycardia and asystole are rare during lumbar spine surgery. This case highlights the risk of serious hemodynamic disturbances even in seemingly simple procedures like lumbar discectomy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hemodynamic instability is a known complication of upper cervical spine surgery.
- Such events are infrequently reported during lumbar spine procedures.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing lumbar discectomy for a prolapsed intervertebral disc experienced two episodes of bradycardia.
- These episodes progressed to transient asystole.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates that significant hemodynamic derangements can occur during lumbar spine surgery.
- The prone position during surgery may contribute to these risks.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists and surgeons should be vigilant for potential hemodynamic disturbances during lumbar spine surgery.
- Awareness of these risks is crucial for patient safety, even in routine procedures.
