Safety and efficacy of remifentanil target-controlled infusion for conscious sedation in a pregnant woman: a case report

We present the case of a Caucasian 36-year-old woman during her 21st week of pregnancy, with a normal-sized fetus, according to the gestational age on ultrasound exam, and with no additional risk factors. The patient referred to an increasing nasal obstruction associated with rhinorrhea of the left nasal cavity. She also reported episodes of sleep apnea and hyposmia. The patient received a detailed otolaryngological examination, which allowed for identification of a mass within the left nasal cavity. The subsequent nasal endoscopy confirmed a grayish polypoid mass lesion with a multinodular surface occupying the entire left nasal fossa. The lesion totally obliterated the left maxillary sinus, resulting in obstruction of the anterior osteomeatal unit and ethmoidal sinusitis. She was referred for a functional endoscopic sinus surgery using analgosedation with remifentanil target-controlled infusion.Discussion and conclusionTo the very best of our knowledge, this is the first case described in English literature about the use of analgosedation with remifentanil target-controlled infusion for otolaryngology surgery, specifically in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It could be an interesting option to avoid the use of inhaled anesthetics that could induce fetal damage, especially during the first months of pregnancy. Furthermore, patient intubation is not necessary, which avoids cases of difficult intubation or any trauma to the airways. An adequate informed consent and approp...
Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research