[Anesthesia for cesarean section in pregnancy complicated with severe scoliosis: a case report]

Scoliosis refers to a complex three-dimensional spine deformity. Onset of scoliosis can occur in an infantile, juvenile, adolescent, or adult period. Severe scoliosis not only affects the appearance of the patient, but also impairs the functions of circulation and respiratory systems. Significant changes of the cardiopulmonary function can occur during pregnancy. In this report, general anesthesia was needed for emergent cesarean section of the puerperant complicated with severe scoliosis. The puerperant had already suffered type II respiratory failure preoperatively. There might be managements of difficult airway, depression with circulation and respiration of the neonate, and the risk for inhibition of the uterine contraction and awareness. Facing the challenges, the anesthesiologists must work out a detail anesthesia plan quickly, and make sure the safety of the puerperant and the neonate.