ABSTRACT
A 54-year-old man (height 155 cm, weight 49 kg) was scheduled for retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. He had a history of schizophrenia that had been controlled with propericiazine 10 mg and bromperidol 3 mg daily for 34 years. After induction of anesthesia, 1% mepivacaine 5 ml was administered via an epidural catheter. Blood pressure decreased 15 minutes later to 47/25 mmHg and heart rate dropped to 50 beats x min(-1). Ventricular fibrillation occurred despite titrated injection of ephedrine (40 mg total), phenylephrine (1 mg total), atropine (0.5 mg total), and rapid infusion of crystalloid and colloid solutions. Chest compression and defibrillation were required to restore spontaneous circulation. Surgery was cancelled and he was extubated 45 minutes later without any complications. These findings suggest that caution must be exercised when combining general and epidural anesthesia for patients on long-term major tranquilizers. In the event of refractory hypotension, the use of direct-acting vasoconstrictors such as noradrenaline or vasopressin should be considered.
