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Single-Shot Spinal Anesthesia in an Infant Requiring Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Open Lower-Extremity Surgery: A
Benjamin A Sanofsky1,2, Benjamin V Jorgensen1, Emmett E Whitaker1
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
Journal of Medical Cases
|August 26, 2021
Summary
Single-shot spinal anesthesia provided safe and effective sedation and surgical blockade for a 6-week-old infant undergoing two procedures. This technique successfully avoided the need for general anesthesia in this young patient.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Spinal anesthesia (SA) is recognized as a safe anesthetic method for neonates and infants undergoing lower extremity or abdominal surgeries.
- SA provides sedation and surgical blockade, potentially obviating the need for general anesthesia.
Observation:
- A 6-week-old infant required imaging and surgical intervention for a deep soft tissue mass in the lower extremity.
- The infant underwent both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and open surgical biopsy on the same day.
Findings:
- Single-shot spinal anesthesia was successfully employed for the combined MRI and surgical biopsy procedure.
- This anesthetic approach provided both the necessary sedation for MRI and surgical blockade for the biopsy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential of single-shot spinal anesthesia as a sole anesthetic technique for combined diagnostic and surgical procedures in infants.
- Utilizing SA may offer an alternative to general anesthesia, potentially reducing associated risks and recovery times in pediatric patients.
