Low-dose Spinal Block With Continuous Epidural Infusion for Renal Transplantation in a Patient With Alport Syndrome:...

We aim to describe management of a patient receiving renal transplantation for chronic renal failure due to Alport syndrome with low dose of intrathecal bupivacaine and continuous epidural infusion of local anesthetic.

A 38-years-old man with chronic renal failure secondary to Alport syndrome underwent kidney transplantation. Because of a high risk of respiratory and cardiovascular complications related to the patient's baseline lung disease and abnormalities in heart conduction, we selected combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. The block was ultrasound-guided and performed at the T12-L1 interspace with 4.5 mg of 0.5% intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine followed by a continuous epidural infusion of 0.5% levobupivacaine mixed with 25 μg of Fentanyl at the initial rate of 8 mL/h. Sensory block to T5-T6 was obtained within 10 minutes. The patient then received mild sedation with Propofol and Remifentanil. Methylprednisolone and diuretics were administered before vascular unclamping according to our internal protocol. Surgery lasted 3 hours with no clinical or procedural complication.

Although renal transplantation is usually performed under general anesthesia, in a particularly complex patient with chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a worsened respiratory mechanics, we applied a combined approach with a low dose of intrathecal bupivacaine and continuous epidural infusion of local anesthetic. The technique did not affect hemodynamics while having a positive impact on recovery of function of the transplanted organ with rapid improvement of urine output, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels.