ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the investigations, premedication, intravenous access and monitors of the lumbar meningomyelocele. It also describes the induction, intravenous fluids, reversal or elective mechanical ventilation and postoperative analgesia of the lumbar meningomyelocele. The chapter discusses the goals of anesthesia to facilitate rapid and smooth induction of anesthesia, to position properly to maintain patent airway, to position properly to maintain patent airway, to maintain latex precautions and to facilitate smooth emergence from anesthesia. It explains the intraoperative concerns like risk of hypothermia, risk of exposure keratitis, risk of pressure sores and risk of postural hypotension in prone position. The chapter focuses on the electrocardiography (ECG), noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse oximetry (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), temperature, and invasive blood pressure (IBP). It also discusses the postoperative concerns like apnea, hypothermia, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak with infection, poor wound healing and hydrocephalus.
