The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED)
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2026): June

Thoracic Spinal Anesthesia in a Patient with Peritoneal Tuberculosis with Massive Ascites and Bilateral Pleural Effusion for Laparotomy

Dwi Lunarta Docterina Sutanti Siahaan (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Medan, Indonesia)
Jadeny Sinatra (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Medan, Indonesia)
Ronald T.H. Tambunan (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Medan, Indonesia)
Agus Prima (Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, National Center of Research and Education Institute (NCREI), Medan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Peritoneal tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis with nonspecific clinical manifestations, such as ascites and abdominal pain, often leading to delayed diagnosis. In advanced conditions, massive ascites combined with bilateral pleural effusion may significantly impair respiratory function and increase perioperative risk. General anesthesia, commonly used for laparotomy, may further worsen pulmonary complications in such high-risk patients. We report a case of a 23-years-old female with peritoneal tuberculosis complicated by massive ascites and bilateral pleural effusion who underwent laparotomy under thoracic spinal anesthesia. The patient presented with abdominal distension, dyspnea, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia, indicating a compromised physiological status. Considering the risks associated with general anesthesia, thoracic spinal anesthesia was selected. The procedure was successfully performed with stable intraoperative hemodynamics and no significant respiratory complications. Thoracic spinal anesthesia is a feasible regional technique for abdominal surgery, offering better respiratory outcomes and recovery compared to general anesthesia. This case demonstrates its potential as a safe alternative in high-risk patients undergoing laparotomy.

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Journal Info

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Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED) | ISSN (e): 2964-5565 is a leading voice in the Indonesia and internationally for medicine and healthcare. Published continuously, JSOCMED features scholarly comment and clinical research. JSOCMED is editorially independent from and its The Editor-in-Chief ...