Anesthetic Considerations for the Transsphenoidal Resection of a Pituitary Tumor in an Acromegalic Patient: A Case Report

Acromegaly can result in many physiological changes that create multiple challenges for the anesthesiologist. Excess growth hormone secretion can result in altered facies, airway obstruction, ventilation challenges, and intubation difficulties. Moreover, hormonal changes can cause electrolyte imbalances, poor glycemic regulation, and hypertension. In addition, radial arterial invasive blood pressure monitoring can be relatively contraindicated given poor ulnar collateral circulation. In this case report, we discuss an acromegalic patient with severe facial, cardiovascular, and respiratory changes who successfully underwent transsphenoidal pituitary gland resection under general anesthesia. We describe our anesthetic approach toward caring for a patient with acromegaly.