Endocrine: Carcinoid Tumor

Abstract

In this chapter the essential aspects of anesthesia for carcinoid disease are reviewed. Specifically, the pathophysiology of this syndrome and its effect on anesthesia care are reviewed in detail. Drugs that should be avoided in the carcinoid patient are discussed, as well as therapy. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. The preoperative section discusses assessment of carcinoid tumor using somatostatin analog scintigraphy and of related cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic issues. Intraoperative topics discussed include monitoring, induction, and maintenance of the patient, as well as potential complications such as bronchospasm and hypotension. Postoperative concerns mentioned include pain management and tapering of octreotide.