Seizure-like movements caused by residual sevoflurane inside the anesthesia machine: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Sevoflurane-induced seizures are most often caused by high concentrations of sevoflurane during anesthesia induction. However, in this case, we found a rare case of seizure-like movements caused by residual sevoflurane inside the anesthesia machine. Therefore, we propose that the detection of residual anesthesia-inhaled drugs should be included in pre-anesthesia checkout procedures.

Patient concerns: An 11-year-old girl with a history of epilepsy was scheduled for emergency appendectomy under general anesthesia. The patient presented with seizure-like movements caused by residual sevoflurane inside the anesthesia machine after pre-oxygenation during rapid sequence induction.

Diagnoses: Based on the clinical presentation and previous history of seizures, sevoflurane-induced seizures were diagnosed.

Interventions: A washout procedure was performed by turning the oxygen flow up to 10L/min to wash out the residual sevoflurane from the anesthesia machine.

Outcomes: The seizures ceased spontaneously, and the vital signs of the patient were stable during the washout procedure. Rapid sequence anesthesia induction and total intravenous anesthesia maintenance were uneventful. Surgery was performed as planned, and there were no postoperative problems. The patient was discharged after 4 days without complications and was well on follow-up.

Lessons: The check-up procedure of residual anesthesia-inhaled drugs inside the anesthesia machine should be included in the checkout design guidelines, or else the washout procedure should be performed in the pre-anesthesia checkout procedures.