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Anesthetic Challenges During Whole Lung Lavage: A Case Report
Prasanta K Das1, Krishna Prasanth Yadavilli2, Aswathy Girija3
1Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND.
Cureus
|February 15, 2023
Summary
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis treatment via whole lung lavage presents challenges during one-lung ventilation. This case highlights successful anesthetic management for a patient undergoing lung lavage.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease causing surfactant accumulation.
- Whole lung lavage is the primary treatment for PAP.
- One-lung ventilation (OLV) during lavage poses significant anesthetic challenges, including desaturation and hemodynamic instability.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old female with known PAP presented with worsening cough and dyspnea.
- The patient had a history of previous lung lavage procedures.
- Anesthesia management focused on complete lung isolation and hemodynamic stability.
Findings:
- Successful lung isolation was achieved using a double-lumen tube (DLT).
- One-lung ventilation was maintained throughout the procedure.
- Hemodynamic parameters were closely monitored and managed effectively.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a feasible anesthetic strategy for managing PAP patients undergoing whole lung lavage.
- Effective OLV and hemodynamic management are crucial for patient safety during this procedure.
- Further research into optimizing anesthetic techniques for rare lung diseases like PAP is warranted.

