Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Lateral Chronic Cranial Window Preparation Enables In Vivo Observation Following Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Mice
Published on: December 29, 2016
Unveiling what is absent within: illustrating anesthetic considerations in a patient with hydranencephaly - a case
Alexis R Tovar1, Allison L Thoeny2
1University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Room 4401, PO Box 245114, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
Background:
Hydranencephaly is a rare and debilitating congenital condition in which most anesthesiologists are unfamiliar. Primary surgical treatment involves CSF diversion, though other palliative procedures requiring anesthesia are often required. With medical advancements and a resulting prolonged life expectancy, caring for these patients is becoming more routine.
Case Presentation:
We follow an infant with hydranencephaly over three different procedures requiring anesthesia from 5 months of age to 2 years, highlighting the various anesthetic considerations.
Conclusions:
Anticipation of difficult positioning, deliberate airway management, and attention to anesthetic recovery were all necessary to safely care for this patient. An understanding of the challenges this particular condition poses will help anesthesiologists provide the most safe and effective care when encountering these patients.
Related Concept Videos
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Stages of General Anesthesia

