Anaesthesia for occipital encephalocoele

Abstract

Anaesthesia for correction of occipital encephalocoele is often complicated by the presence of hydrocephalus, Klippel-Feil deformity and cleft palate. In a series of 31 cases the prone position for surgery was maintained by bolsters placed so that abdominal movement was unimpeded. The body temperature fell in all cases despite the use of heating blankets and infra-red lamps. Because precise measurements of blood loss were impossible, sufficient blood was transfused to maintain a systolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg. With these anaesthetic techniques all patients survived the operation. © 1974 Canadian Anesthesiologists.