Anaesthetic management of a case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

• Main Authors: Savitri D Kabade, Safiya Sheikh, Bhavya Periyadka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
• Subjects: Accessory pathway; adenosine; epidural anaesthesia; tachyarrhythmia; WPW syndrome
• Online Access: http://www.ijaweb.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5049;year=2011;volume=55;issue=4;spage=381;epage=383;aulast=Kabade
• ISSN: 0019-5049

We report a case of fibroid uterus with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome in a 48-year-old female, posted for elective hysterectomy. Patient gave history of short recurrent episodes of palpitation and electrocardiograph confirmed the diagnosis of WPW syndrome. The anaesthetic management of these patients is challenging as they are known to develop life threatening tachyarrhythmia like paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Epidural anaesthesia is preferred compared to general anaesthesia to avoid polypharmacy, noxious stimuli of laryngoscopy and intubation. To deal with perioperative complications like PSVT and AF, anti-arrhythmic drugs like adenosine, beta blockers and defibrillator should be kept ready. Perioperative monitoring is essential as patients can develop complications.