Cervical Epidural Analgesia with Laryngeal Mask Airway Assisted Ventilation for Thymectomy in Myasthenia Gravis

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of great significance to the anesthesiologist, because it affects the neuromuscular junction. In this paper, we discuss the case of a 57 y. Old male patient with newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis who is scheduled for transsternal thymectomy. Anaesthesia for thymectomy in myasthenia is challenging. We have used a modern approach and have successfully done thymectomy under general anaesthesia avoiding need for intubation of trachea and most importantly avoiding use of muscle relaxant. We maintained adequate muscle relaxation with the use of inhalational agent (Sevoflurane) and anaesthetic dose of local anaesthetic through cervical epidural.