Epidural anaesthesia for abdominal surgery in a 72-year-old with dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report

A 72-year-old female, retired trader, receiving multidisciplinary care for dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive cardiac failure, with massive cardiomegaly, endomyocardial fibrosis, pericardial effusion, atrial fibrillation, ascites umbilical hernia was scheduled elective herniorrhaphy at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). She successfully had surgery under lumbar epidural anaesthesia achieved morphine, ketamine low dose bupivacaine combination, eventually discharged home postoperatively after satisfactory recovery. The anaesthetic challenges posed by presence multiple grave cardiovascular pathologies in association critical significance judicious technique successful management this patient are highlighted.