The Anaesthetic Considerations and Implications in Pre-operative,
Peri-operative, and Post-operative Phases for Nasal Surgery in Patients
with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Abstract
Objectives This systematic review aims to explore and outline
the anaesthetic considerations and precautions for patients with a
diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) undergoing
nasal surgery. Design A search was performed across four
electronic databases between the dates 1 st January
2000 and 1 st March 2024. Two independent reviewers
selected articles that met the following criteria: adult patients with
HHT undergoing nasal surgery; description of anaesthetic regime; English
language. Case reports and reviews were excluded. The Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were
followed throughout. Results and participants Nine studies were
included in the analysis, comprising a total of 800 patients. Two
studies described local anaesthetic (LA) only, two described general
anaesthetic (GA) only, and five described cases of each. Modality of
anaesthesia was dependent on type of procedure (laser therapy,
endoscopic surgery, sclerotherapy, or plasma coagulation) and patient
factors (including HHT disease severity, vascular anatomy, and age).
Anaesthetic approaches varied, although there were similarities; for
example, six studies used a topical LA, combined with a vasoconstrictor.
Only one study described a GA regime. Reduction of intra-operative
bleeding was highlighted across multiple studies; measures included
endotracheal tube/nasal lubrication, decongestants, and controlled
hypotension. Complications were generally low, with three studies,
totalling 218 patients, describing procedures in-clinic with LA with no
reported complications. Conclusion The literature lacks clear
consensus for selecting between LA or GA, as well as evidenced regimes
for both. Therefore, further research is needed to better inform the
anaesthetic approach for HHT patients undergoing nasal surgery.