Anesthetic Management of a 33-Year-Old Female With Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the hip and shoulder muscles. Like many other muscular dystrophies, LGMD patients are at increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, malignant hyperthermia (MH), and cardiopulmonary compromise, posing significant anesthetic challenges for these patients. Despite this, there are few reports on anesthesia management in patients with LGMD. We present the anesthetic management of a 33-year-old single female with LGMD undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 33-year-old Middle Eastern, wheelchair-dependent female with LGMD (subtype 2A) presented for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy following recurrent biliary colic. Preoperative evaluation revealed normal cardiac function and minimal pulmonary involvement. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol, fentanyl, rocuronium, and morphine was administered without volatile anesthetics. Intraoperative monitoring followed the American Society of Anesthesiologists standards. The surgery was uneventful, and the patient was extubated successfully without ICU admission. General anesthesia with TIVA is considered a safe approach for LGMD patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Avoidance of triggering agents and meticulous perioperative planning are essential to minimize complications.