Safety and Feasibility of Segmental Thoracic Spinal Anaesthesia (STSA): A Scoping Review

Abstract

Spinal anesthesia was previously advised only below the termination of spinal cord in the lumber region to avoid injury to cord. As anatomy of spine and its relation within spinal cord is more understood various case reports and feasibility studies were published in authentic journals describing puncture at thoracic level in certain high-risk patients. Thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia is a neuraxial regional anesthesia technique that can potentially be a suitable alternative to general anesthesia for certain cases particularly in patients who are considered at high risk while under general anesthesia. Practicing a new technology and designing policy decisions based on a single study or expert opinion can’t be relied upon. So, a review of existing literature has been carried out to know the safety and feasibility of segmental spinal anesthesia in current anesthesia practice. Relevant articles describing surgeries conducted under Segmental Thoracic Spinal anesthesia were studied and analyzed. Segmental Thoracic Spinal anesthesia is a feasible, safe and economical anesthesia technique for various abdominal and thoracic surgeries. It is also associated with less postoperative complications and patient satisfaction.