This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by KONCHIGERI, H. N. Articles by LEVITSKY, S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by KONCHIGERI, H. N. Articles by LEVITSKY, S.

Anesthetic Considerations for Pericardectomy in Uremic Pericardial Effusion

HALAPPA N. KONCHIGERI, MD^*, and SIDNEY LEVITSKY, MD

*Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology. Departments of Anesthesiology and Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital at the Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Associate Professor of Surgery. Departments of Anesthesiology and Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital at the Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612.

Abstract

Fifteen patients with impending uremic cardiac tamponade underwent either anterior pericardectomy or pericardiostomy under general anesthesia. Anesthetic agents and technics were selected in the light of physiopathologic derangements involving fluids and electrolyte balance, excretory and cardiovascular disturbances, and pharmacodynamics. Anesthesia was induced with diazepam and maintained with N₂O-O₂ (70:30) and fentanyl. Pancuronium was used for muscle relaxation. Adequate pre-operative assessment of patient, careful monitoring of vital signs, maintenance of the critical balance of fluid and blood replacement, and selection of anesthetic agents for minimal depression of vital multiorgan systems provided excellent results. No postanesthetic morbidity or mortality occurred.