We have operated a patient with pectus excavatum (Nuss method with thoracoscopic visualization). General anesthesia with single lung ventilation + epidural analgesia was used. The operation was performed without complications. On the first postoperative day, the patient lost the sensitivity and motoric function of the lower limbs and the left upper limb. Epidural catheter was removed, MRI revealed spinal cord edema with a maximum in the neck area, ranging from C1 to Th11. Antiedematous treatment (corticoids and diuretics) was started. There is a partial improvement in the mobility and sensitivity of the left upper limb and a partial return of the sensitivity of the lower limbs on the second postoperative day.

Does anybody have any explanation what could be the cause of this condition?

Thank you