Ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca block combined with a sacral plexus block for lower extremity surgery

Rationale: The anesthetic management of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension is different from that of normal, healthy patients, and regional nerve blocks are commonly used for them. Due to the individual variability of the course, distribution, and branching of the nerves below the inguinal ligament, the supra-inguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) block has a wider and more stable blocking area. In combination with the sacral plexus block, they can satisfy the needs of surgical anesthesia below the hip. Patient concerns: A 46-year-old man with tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary heart disease, World Health Organization (WHO) class III pulmonary hypertension and right heart dysfunction, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class III needed fixation of an intramedullary nail in the left lower extremity. Additionally, he had broken his left lower limb after a recent fall. Both general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia were not appropriate. Diagnoses: The patient had a clear history of tuberculosis, computerized tomography scan displayed destructive pneumonophthisis. Furthermore, he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary heart disease. Interventions: An ultrasound-guided SIFI combined with a sacral plexus block was successfully performed for surgical anesthesia and avoided all hemodynamic fluctuations. Outcomes: We successfully performed an ultrasound-guided SIFI combined with a sacral plexus block for surgical anesthesia and avoided all hemodynamic fluctuations. Lessons: Ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca block combined with a sacral plexus block can be suitable for anesthesia for patients with severe circulatory compromise.