The Successful Management of Cardiac Arrest under Total Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report

Abstract

Total spinal anesthesia, while infrequent, may manifest during spinal anesthesia procedures. It is typically characterized by a sudden hypotension, difficulty of breathing, rapidly increasing  motor block, loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, apnea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Given its rarity and profound impact on patients, it's crucial to document and report these uncommon and potentially preventable incidents in clinical practice. We document an instance of unexpected cardiac arrest subsequent to spinal anesthesia in a 45 years old male, ASA I. Fortunately, prompt and appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitative interventions led to successful resuscitation of the patient. Subsequently, he underwent left inguinal hernia repair, experiencing a favorable post-operative course and recovery. It is often associated with higher mortality. However, employing suitable risk stratification, meticulous monitoring, and a well-organized management strategy can lead to positive outcomes for these patients.