Anesthesia Management for Craniosynostosis Surgery

Abstract

Craniosynostosis is premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. In isolated craniosynostosis, surgical procedures are applied to ensure normal brain development and normal cognitive functions, to correct cosmetic deformities in order to prevent psychosocial negative consequences. The fact that they are mostly infants, combined with significant blood loss in the perioperative period, makes these cases challenging for the anesthetist. Ensuring airway safety, coping with metabolic complications related to blood transfusions and infusion of electrolyte fluids, preventing hypothermia, postoperative pain management, treatment of nausea and vomiting are the main subjects of anesthesia management. Excellent results can be obtained with proper preoperative planning, monitoring and timely blood and fluid infusion. Keywords: Craniosynostosis, anesthesia, neurosurgery