Successful Use of Ultrasound Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Without General Anesthesia for Open Appendectomy in a Patient with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction- A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Patients diagnosed with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) are at high risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications. While it is important to focus on optimizing their cardiac function, it is also crucial to address and optimize any other modifiable risk factors that could potentially impact postoperative outcome. This also includes careful consideration of anesthetic techniques to suit the patient and facilitate the surgery. However, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding the safety of specific anesthetic approaches for heart failure patients. Case Presentation: We describe the case of an adult patient in mid-50s, with a history of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced Ejection Fraction (about 25%) who presented with acute gangrenous appendicitis and was scheduled for an open appendectomy. It was deemed to be a high-risk patient for general and spinal anesthesia. With the guidance of a multidisciplinary team, surgery was successfully performed using a quadratus lumborum block with standard monitoring. The patient was comfortable and hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: Quadratus Lumborum Block for open appendectomy can be a beneficial alternative anesthesia technique in high-risk patients that significantly lowers perioperative cardiovascular risk, maintains hemodynamics, enhances satisfaction, and shortens hospital stay.