Anesthesia for videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with Steinert disease. Case report and review of the literature

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert’s disease) – a case report

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 or Steinert’s disease is an autosomal dominant multisystem disease which is characterized by consistent contracture of muscle following stimulation (myotonia). Hypothermia, shivering, mechanical or electric stimulation during surgery can precipitate episodes of myotonia which may complicate the course of anaesthesia. The present case report focuses on successful strategies for providing general anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient affected by this genetic disorder, at a hospital which does not have the facility for postoperative ventilation.

Myotonic Dystrophy and Anesthetic Challenges: A Case Report and Review

Providing anesthesia to patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) can be very challenging due to the multisystemic effects of the disease and extreme sensitivity of these patients to sedatives, opioids, and anesthetic agents. Other factors such as hypothermia, shivering, or mechanical or electric stimulation during surgery can precipitate myotonia which is difficult to abolish and can lead to further complications. Generally, local or regional anesthesia is preferred to avoid the complications associated with general anesthesia in this group. However there are several case reports of successful use of general anesthesia (with or without volatile agents and with or without opioids). These general anesthetic cases led to postoperative admission to the regular floor or ICU. We present a case of a woman with a history of DM who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia and was discharged home on the same day.

Opioid-free general anesthesia in patient with Steinert syndrome (myotonic dystrophy): Case report

INTRODUCTION

We report on the anesthetic management using opioid-free method of a patient with Steinert syndrome (myotonic dystrophy, MD), autosomal dominant dystrophy which is characterized by consistent contracture of muscle following stimulation. A myotonic crisis can be induced by numerous factors including hypothermia, shivering, and mechanical or electrical stimulation. In patients with MD, hypersensitivity to anesthetic drugs, especially muscle relaxants and opioids, may complicate postoperative management. If opioids are employed (systemic or neuraxial), then ICU care and continuous pulse oximetry must be considered given the high risk for respiratory depression and aspiration. Patients with MD present high sensitivity to the usual anesthetics such as volatile and muscle relaxants (both depolarizing and nondepolarizing). Opioids may induce muscle rigidity in this type of MD. Therefore, omitting opioids is recommended. Due to hypersensitivity to opioids and increased susceptibility to intra- and postoperative complications, it is recommended to introduce opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), for example, with use of dexmedetomidine (DEX). This is a new method of conducting general anesthesia without opioids and is based on concept of multimodal approach to pain management.

METHODS

A 31-year-old male patient (183 cm, 69 kg) was scheduled for laparoscopic operation of cholecystectomy. The patient received intravenously (IV): propofol in a dose of 250 mg followed by continuous infusion, rocuronium in a dose of 20 mg, and DEX in a loading dose of 0.6 μg/kg over 10 minutes followed by continuous infusion of dose of 0.2 μg/kg/hour.

RESULTS

The course of anesthesia and postoperative period were uneventful. The patient exited the operating theatre in a good medical state, with vitals within normal limits and fully regained consciousness.

CONCLUSION

DEX is effective and safe for moderately painful procedures in patients with the elevated risk of respiratory and cardiovascular failure. This substance provides adequate analgesia level during surgeries of patients suffering from MD.

Gastrobronchial fistula following minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a patient with myotonic dystrophy: Case report

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Myotonic dystropy patients have after major surgery increased risk for pulmonary complications because of weakness of respiratory muscles.

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Such a patient tolerated a minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer.

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Minimally invasive instead of open surgery was probably the only feasible treatment due to less strain on respiratory function.

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A life-threatening complication of gastrobronchial fistula healed by stenting of the gastric conduit and ventilation with low airway pressures.

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Indications for stenting of gastrobronchial fistula are discussed.

Introduction

Myotonic dystrophies are inherited multisystemic diseases characterized by musculopathy, cardiac arrythmias and cognitive disorders. These patients are at increased risk for fatal post-surgical complications from pulmonary hypoventilation. We present a case with myotonic dystrophy and esophageal cancer who had a minimally invasive esophagectomy complicated with gastrobronchial fistulisation.

Presentation of case

A 44-year-old male with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and esophageal cancer had a minimally invasive esophagectomy performed instead of open surgery in order to reduce the risk for pulmonary complications. At day 15 respiratory failure occurred from a gastrobronchial fistula between the right intermediary bronchus (defect 7–8 mm) and the esophagogastric anastomosis (defect 10 mm). In order to minimize large leakage of air into the gastric conduit the anastomosis was stented and ventilation maintained at low airway pressures. His general condition improved and allowed extubation at day 29 and stent removal at day 35. Bronchoscopy confirmed that the fistula was healed. The patient was discharged from hospital at day 37 without further complications.

Discussion

The fistula was probably caused by bronchial necrosis from thermal injury during close dissection using the Ligasure instrument. Fistula treatment by non-surgical intervention was considered safer than surgery which could be followed by potentially life-threatening respiratory complications. Indications for stenting of gastrobronchial fistulas will be discussed.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive esophagectomy was performed instead of open surgery in a myotonic dystrophy patient as these patients are particularly vulnerable to respiratory complications. Gastrobronchial fistula, a major complication, was safely treated by stenting and low airway pressure ventilation.