Postlaryngectomy hypertensive crisis: a manifestation of perioperative acute baroreflex failure?

Hemodynamic instability as a result of altered baroreflex mechanism is common in surgeries involving manipulation around the carotid sheath. We report a case in which hypertensive crisis was associated with laryngectomy during general anesthesia. Perioperative use of vasoactive agents such as α2 agonists may help in maintaining hemodynamic stability in such procedures.