Approach to failed spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.

Failure of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section may have deleterious consequences for the mother as well as the newborn baby. In this article, we discuss the mechanisms of failure of spinal anaesthesia as well as the approach to a failed block. We performed a literature search in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for original and review articles concerning failed spinal anaesthesia and caesarean section. Strategies for a failed spinal anaesthetic include manoeuvers to salvage the block, repeating the block, epidural anaesthesia or a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique, or resorting to general anaesthesia. Factors influencing the choice of these alternative options are discussed. A "failed spinal algorithm" can guide the anaesthesiologist and help reduce morbidity and mortality.

Anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery in obstetric patients.

Anaesthesia for pregnant patients presenting for non-obstetric surgery needs a thorough understanding of the physiological changes and altered pharmacokinetics of pregnancy. Considering the effects of surgery and anaesthesia on the foetus, only essential and emergency surgeries are performed during pregnancy. Surgical procedures in second trimester have the advantage of better foetal outcome. The primary concerns of maternal and foetal safety are achieved by a focused multidisciplinary team-based approach with respect to the surgical condition. Meticulous attention to preoperative patient counselling, airway management, haemodynamic stability, and thromboprophylaxis are the key factors in anaesthetic management. Choice of anaesthesia or anaesthetic drugs has minimal impact on the foetus provided utero-placental perfusion and uterine relaxation are maintained. Foetal monitoring when feasible and when done by a trained person enables to diagnose and treat the factors responsible for foetal heart rate variability. Anaesthetic technique needs to be modified according to the type of surgery.

Anesthetic dilemma in planning bilateral cataract surgery for an infant associated with congenital cardiac anomaly.

In a patient with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and pulmonary atresia, treating the cardiac problem or the associated congenital illness is always a challenge. We describe the challenges and successful initial management of bilateral cataract to prevent visual loss in an infant with TOF with pulmonary atresia.