Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Success of Ultrasound-Guided Neuraxial Anesthesia in Cases with Difficult Anatomy
Published on: January 31, 2025
Spinal anesthesia: a safe alternative for high-risk pulmonary patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery
Lennard M Wurm1,2, Olaf Kniesel3, Dominik Laue1
1Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
This case report details the successful management of a 58-year-old male patient with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sarcoidosis, who required lumbar spine surgery for a cranial-translocated disc sequestration at the L4/5 level. Due to the patient's significant pulmonary risk, spinal anesthesia (SPA) was selected to minimize the potential respiratory complications typically associated with general anesthesia. The procedure was successful, resulting in the complete alleviation of lumbosciatic pain without any notable complications. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of SPA in patients with high pulmonary risk, emphasizing its advantages such as reduced intraoperative blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, and enhanced postoperative recovery.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

