Fiberoptic Scope as a Rescue Device in an Anesthetized Patient in the Prone Position

Spinal anesthesia in elective lumbar spinal surgery

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is gaining recognition as a safe and efficacious regional alternative to general anesthesia for elective lumbar surgery. However, unfamiliarity with management issues related to its use has limited the adoption of awake spine surgery, despite its benefits. Few centers in the United States routinely offer SA for elective lumbar surgery, and a comprehensive workflow to standardize SA for lumbar surgery is lacking. In this article, we examine recent literature on the use of SA in lumbar surgery, review the experience of our institution with SA in lumbar surgery, and provide a cohesive outline to streamline the implementation of SA from the perspective of the anesthesiologist. We review the critical features of SA in contemporary lumbar surgery, including selection of patients, methods of SA, intraoperative sedation, and management of several important technical considerations. We aimed to flatten the learning curve to improve the availability and accessibility of the technique for eligible patients.

Should we induce general anesthesia in the prone position?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

For patients requiring surgery in the prone position, an alternative to a traditional supine induction is allowing the patient to position themselves comfortably prone and inducing anesthesia in that position. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature and evaluate the safety of induction of anesthesia in the prone position.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first randomized trial comparing induction in the supine vs. prone position for patients requiring spinal surgery was published earlier this year and reported a time-saving benefit. Multiple case series report the feasibility of this approach; however, the potential benefits of prone induction, namely a reduction in pressure injuries and avoidance of complications of the turn itself, remain unproven. Increased familiarity with prone insertion of supraglottic airways is a useful tool in case of accidental intraoperative extubation in a patient who is already prone. Potential disadvantages include loss of the airway during induction, reduced ability to manage adverse hemodynamic consequences of induction and restriction to use of a supraglottic airway.

SUMMARY

The reviewed literature shows that elective prone induction of anesthesia using supraglottic airways, in select patients, is feasible and associated with very low complication rates; however, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that this should be done routinely.