Spinal anesthesia in a preterm infant patient undergoing exploratory laparotomy: A case report

Abstract

Neonatal anesthesia has been confined to the traditional technique of general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. Postoperative apnea, residual effect of anesthetic and neuromuscular drug, prolonged stay in the operating room, neurodegeneration and delayed extubation are some known complications of general anesthesia. Alternately, spinal anesthesia is an accepted technique for infants and neonates with its rapid onset, hemodynamic stability, and desired muscle relaxation,omitting the risk of respiratory complications, postoperative apnea, rapid recovery and reduced postoperative monitoring. We report a case of preterm infant at a gestational age of 36 week presented with anorectal malformation and jejunal atresia at Kathmandu Model Hospital, Kathmandu repaired successfully under spinal anesthesia.