Spinal (Intrathecal) Ketamine Anaesthesia for Upper Abdominal Surgery : Case Report

ABSTRACT

Intravenous ketamine is usually administered for the induction of general anaesthesia. Spinal ketamine for lower abdominal and lower limb surgery is sporadically reported in the literature. However; the use of spinal ketamine for upper body surgery is rare. We describe the case of a 35-year old man; with a retroperitoneal tumour and severe intercurrent cardiovascular morbidity; that had exploratory laparotomy and tumour biopsy with Intrathecal ketamine administered through the L4/L5 interspace. The patient had good surgical analgesia; with stable vital signs throughout the surgery. After surgery; the spinal catheter was left in place; and withdrawn 48 hours later. The patient did well in the immediate postoperative period; although he gradually succumbed to the primary illness (malignant retroperitoneal cancer) on the 15th postoperative day