Temporary cardiac arrest in patient under robotically assisted total thyroidectomy causing carotid sinus hypersensitivity

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is an exaggerated response to carotid sinus baroreceptor stimulation. Bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope are common manifestations of CSH. A 31-year-old female patient was scheduled for a robotically assisted endoscopic total thyroidectomy. No problems occurred during anesthetic induction. Sudden cardiac arrest occurred near dissection of the diseased thyroid. However, while atropine was administered, the patient soon recovered to normal sinus rhythm. Subsequent bradycardia or hypotension was not followed until the end of surgery.