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Anesthetic considerations in acute spinal cord trauma
1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Centre, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) often need surgery. Anesthesiologists must prevent further injury and support organs during perioperative care for these trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is common in trauma patients requiring surgery.
- All polytrauma patients must be presumed to have SCI until ruled out.
- Spine immobilization is critical for pre-hospital and in-hospital management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review anesthetic implications for patients with acute SCI.
- To highlight the importance of perioperative management in preventing secondary injury.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane).
- Included studies published between 1990 and 2010.
- Examined reference lists of relevant articles.
Main Results:
- Anesthetic management is crucial for preventing iatrogenic SCI deterioration.
- Perioperative care focuses on limiting secondary injury and supporting organ function.
- Stabilization of the spine aids in managing polytrauma.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesiologists play a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of SCI patients.
- Optimal perioperative strategies are essential for improving outcomes in acute SCI.
- Early and careful management can mitigate risks associated with SCI and surgery.
Keywords:
Anesthesiaairway managementblood losscoagulationcorticosteroidsmedical managementspinal cord injurytraumaMore Related Videos
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