Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with achondroplasia

Abstract

Introduction: The perioperative management of achondroplastic pregnant patients that will undergo lower segment cesarean section represents a clinical challenge to the anesthesiologist. Objective: To describe the anesthetic management of a pregnant patient with achondroplasia, programed for lower segment cesarean section using single-dose regional subarachnoid anesthesia, and to review the general guidelines for anesthetic management emphasizing the role of anesthesia in these patients. Methods: Case report and subject review. Results: The case of a first pregnancy in an achondroplastic, 117-cm tall patient and 38.5 weeks of gestation, programed for lower segment cesarean section is discussed. The patient received single-dose subarachnoid regional anesthesia and adjuvant opioids, with satisfactory results. Conclusion: The ideal anesthetic technique is controversial and the decision shall be based on the individual patient characteristics. The spinal technique, as the anesthetic approach to lower segment cesarean section, was satisfactory and safe in this particular patient.