Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, an electrophysiological disorder of heart caused by preexcitation of an abnormal accessory pathway,can either be asymptomatic or may present with palpitation or exertional dyspnea. We report a case of an asymptomatic 45-year-old male with incidental finding of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. The anesthetic management of these patients is challenging as they are prone to develop life-threatening tachyarrhythmia. Taking all the necessary precautions to prevent tachyarrhythmia, balanced anesthesia, rigorous monitoring and preparedness with necessary drugs and equipment to treat any complications is the cornerstone for positive outcome.

Keywords

• accessory pathway; tachyarrhythmia; WPW syndrome.