Ketamine anesthesia at high altitude

Abstract

There is a clinical need for a safe and effective anesthetic technique in high altitude and remote areas. This report presents a series of 11 consecutive cases documenting the use of ketamine anesthesia in a remote hospital at an altitude of 3,900 m, by primary-care physicians without specialist training in anesthesia. The method of administration is fully described. At a low dose of 2.0 mg/kg, ketamine produces a dissociative anesthesia that does not depress the hypoxic drive, or interfere with the pharyngeal or laryngeal reflexes. Although supplemental oxygen is useful in the recovery phase for less acclimatized individuals, it is usually not required as reductions in oxygen saturation can be raised by physical stimulation that encourages the patient to breathe faster and deeper. The common side effect of emergent nightmares was avoided using midazolam as premedication and a quiet recovery area. This study offers the first available evidence that ketamine with midazolam offers a safe and effective means of anaesthesia at very high altitude, without the need for specialist equipment or training, by careful clinicians experienced in basic airway management.