BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc), a progressive disease characterized by excessive accumulation of connective tissue components. Although most patients have long survival, some of them progress rapidly to death. Pulmonary system involvement and pulmonary hypertension are the most frequent cause of death. When the patient with SSc is to be operated, the anesthetic procedure could be a serious problem. In this article, we report a combined spinal – epidural technique in a patient with progressive SSc and the anesthetic considerations that could be recommended for these patients.Case presentationA 68-year-old woman who had a history of progressive systemic sclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, kyphoscoliosis and decreased oral apertura underwent total hip arthroplasty. This operation was performed successfully under combined spinal epidural anesthesia.ConclusionSystemic sclerosis is a complex disease that involves multiple organ systems. Every aspects of anesthetic care may be altered or hindered by the pathogenesis of disease. Although the choice of regional or general anesthesia is unclear, to choose combined spinal epidural anesthesia may be useful.

In elective cesarean delivery, the combinations of bupivacaine + fentanyl or ropivacaine + fentanyl exhibited similar anesthetic efficacy, and fetal and maternal effects.

This study suggests that patient-controlled sedation with propofol can be used efficiently in orthopedic procedures.

This study suggests that patient-controlled sedation with propofol can be used efficiently in orthopedic procedures.

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