Non-thoracic Source of Bleeding During Left-sided Thoracic Surgery

Abstract

Hypotension during thoracic surgery is traditionally attributed to intrathoracic causes such as pulmonary bleeding, ventilation, causing decreased venous return, and a decrease in myocardial contractility. We present a case of unexplained hypotension presenting at the end of left-sided thoracic surgery. The cause of hypotension was ultimately found to be due to intra-abdominal bleeding from a splenic injury. This case reminds the anesthesiologist to be vigilant of non-thoracic causes of hypotension during left-sided lung surgery.