Patients with pre-existing neuromuscular disorders are at risk for several postoperative complications that are related to anesthetic drugs that are administered intraoperatively. Careful preoperative assessment is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. In particular, the risk of postoperative respiratory failure and need for long-term ventilation should be reviewed with patients.
This article serves as a quick checklist for the anesthetic management of neuromuscular disorders. REASONS FOR HIGH-RISK ANESTHESIA WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS Cardiac dysfunction Respiratory weakness A poor cough and secretion management Scoliosis Jaw ankyloses Macroglossia Masseter muscle atrophy Restriction of cervical spine mobility Difficult vascular access Risk of hypothermia PRE-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT Cardiac assessments Electrocardiogram (ECG) Echocardiography Respiratory function tests Forced…
