Anesthetic Challenges During Whole Lung Lavage: A Case Report

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an uncommon lung disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant in the lungs. Treatment is done by whole lung lavage. One-lung ventilation in diseased lungs is a challenge to anesthesiologists due to the rapid desaturation and hemodynamic fluctuations encountered during the procedure. A 24-year-old female, a known patient of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, who had undergone previous lung lavage presented with a dry cough and shortness of breath. Our management of the case included complete lung isolation with a double-lumen tube (DLT), one-lung ventilation, and an appropriate hemodynamic management strategy during the procedure.