Anesthesia for laparoscopic adrenalectomy (pheochromocytoma) in an anemic adult Jehovah's Witness.

PURPOSE: To report the anesthetic management of an anemic Jehovah's Witness patient presenting for laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 49-yr-old woman presented with hemodynamic instability progressing to cardiogenic shock and subsequent acute renal failure. Her course was complicated by anemia. An adrenal pheochromocytoma was diagnosed. Preoperatively, alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade was instituted with phenoxybenzamine and metoprolol therapy and her anemia was treated with erythropoietin. She underwent laparoscopic resection of the adrenal tumour. A cell saver device was employed and attached to the laparoscopic suction-irrigation apparatus to provide salvage capability in the event of a major hemorrhage. The surgical intervention was uneventful and well tolerated. The patient was discharged home and well on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell salvage is the only mechanism currently acceptable to Jehovah's Witnesses which will allow for perioperative salvage and replacement of blood loss. Its use is encouraged in all situations in which surgical hemorrhage is anticipated.