Severe pulmonary hypertension in a patient with bronchiectasis complicated by cor pulmonale and a right-to-left shunt presenting for surgery

Abstract

A patient with advanced bronchiectasis, severe pulmonary hypertension complicated by cor pulmonale and a right-to-left shunt at atrial level presented for sigmoid colectomy. We outline the potential perioperative problems of this situation, discuss the perioperative risks and describe our clinical approach. A total intravenous anaesthetic technique using midazolam, fentanyl, ketamine and rocuronium was used to minimize changes in pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance and not induce bronchospasm. Preoperative nebulized salbutamol and ipratroprium were given to prevent bronchospasm and adrenaline and noradrenaline were infused to maintain cardiac output and the balance between systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance.