Severe Respiratory Depression After Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Ahmad Javed, Riley Richard, Sieunarine Kishore
Primary Institution: Royal Perth Hospital
Hypothesis
Can PCA fentanyl use lead to respiratory depression that mimics a stroke in patients after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?
Conclusion
The use of PCA with fentanyl can cause severe respiratory depression in patients following routine endoluminal graft repair of AAA.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient was found drowsy and unresponsive after surgery.
- CT scan ruled out stroke, showing normal results.
- Naloxone was effective in reversing respiratory depression.
Takeaway
A woman had trouble breathing after surgery because of the pain medicine she used, which made her sleepy and unresponsive, but she got better with help.
Methodology
Case report detailing the patient's surgery, postoperative care, and recovery.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
78-year-old obese female with a history of osteoarthritis and a transient ischaemic attack.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website