[Anesthetic management of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)].

A 63-year-old man suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was scheduled for a surgery of rectal cancer. Anesthetic management was planned aiming early recovery from anesthesia and reduction of muscle relaxant administration. Orotracheal intubation was carried out by intravenous administration of a comparatively large dose propofol (3 mg.kg-1) and sevoflurane as high as 5%. Adequate muscle relaxation was obtained throughout the operation by inhalation of 2-3% sevoflurane and single intravenous administration of vecuronium 1 mg. A combination of propofol and sevoflurane is a successful choice to eliminate effects of anesthesia early after surgery and also to reduce the amount of a muscle relaxant used.