A Case of Respiratory Arrest after Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection of Rectum

Abstract

A 70 year-old male underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision of the rectum and bilateral lateral lymph nodes dissection for rectal cancer. The patient was extubated and returned to the general ward. Immediately after his return, he went into respiratory arrest and required re-intubation and mechanical ventilation. Multiple factors such as decreased cerebral metabolism and prolonged effects of anesthesia and muscle relaxants were considered as causes of respiratory arrest.