Layered and Thoracic Segmental Spinal Anaesthesia in Patients with Kyphoscoliosis for Various Surgeries: A Case Series

Abstract

Kyphoscoliosis involves exaggerated anterior and lateral curvatures of the spine, affecting the dorsolumbar spine. Associated multiple organ system dysfunctions cause difficulties with both general and regional anaesthetic techniques. Co-existing neuromuscular disorders, pulmonary infections, difficulties in securing the airway, postoperative pulmonary morbidities, and the need for mechanical ventilation associated with general anaesthesia make neuraxial anaesthesia the most widely used technique in these cases. Continuous neuraxial techniques in these patients offer advantages over single-shot spinal anaesthesia in achieving the desired level of anaesthesia, managing patchy blocks, extending the duration of anaesthesia, and providing postoperative analgesia, but they are technically more challenging. Single-shot spinal anaesthesia can be a simple, safer, and effective alternative for surgical procedures of shorter duration. Performing thoracic segmental spinal anaesthesia in these patients is very challenging due to the complete distortion of anatomy and possible obliteration of neuraxial spaces. Layered spinal anaesthesia involves combining multiple local anaesthetics with different baricities to produce a successful subarachnoid block. Present series is reported with successful and uneventful use of the layered and thoracic segmental spinal anaesthetic technique in patients with kyphoscoliosis for various surgeries, including laparoscopic procedures.

Keywords

• dorsolumbar spine
• layered spinal anaesthesia
• spinal anaesthetic technique