Background Patients with multiple systemic diseases present an anaesthetic challenge in terms of perioperative pain management. We propose that ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block be used as an alternative mode of analgesia in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Case presentation We report a case of a 54-year-old female, a known case of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, hypertension, and deranged coagulation profile with fractured neck of femur planned for hemiarthroplasty. She was administered ultrasound-guided single-shot erector spinae plane block at L3 level with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone. This block provided excellent post-operative analgesia for up to 24 h with early mobilisation. Conclusion Single-shot ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane bock can be used as an alternative mode of analgesia in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, with multiple systemic diseases in whom neuraxial blockade cannot be performed. This technique needs to be further explored in the form of randomised controlled trials.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder, especially in the frail elderly population. With the increasing number of surgeries in the aging population, hyponatremia is frequently encountered by anesthesiologists and surgeons. Unfortunately, management of hyponatremia is often complex in the elderly population as it is often multifactorial, and they are physiologically susceptible. While it is well known that preoperative hyponatremia is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, a lack of recommendations or guidelines adds to the dilemma in managing such cases. The most common cause of chronic hyponatremia in the elderly is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), which can be resistant to conventional treatment. On the other hand, paraneoplastic SIADH leading to hyponatremia is rare, and surgery may be the only option available for its correction. We present a case of a 78- years-gentleman to highlight such a dilemma. He was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and had chronic refractory severe hyponatremia despite treatment with fluid restriction, low dose hydrocortisone, tolvaptan, and 3% sodium chloride.

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is used to a great extent for perioperative analgesia. The ease of administering it, safety and the perioperative analgesia achieved make it a good addition to anesthetic plans. The reduction in opioid usage with the usage of regional analgesia techniques may aid in enhanced recovery; in addition, regional analgesia with this block provides excellent analgesia and better postoperative outcome as seen here in two cases who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Single-shot ESPB was performed in two cases undergoing PCNL. We achieved stable hemodynamics throughout the procedure and a mean NRS of 1.8 for a duration of 18 h postsurgery in both cases, with faster mobilization and early discharge of the patients.