Avoiding the Use of Halogenated Anesthetic Agents for Uterine Relaxation in Open Mid-Gestation Fetal Surgery: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Profound uterine relaxation is required for open fetal surgery. This is typically achieved by the administration of high-dose halogenated anesthetic agents. However, this anesthetic technique is associated with adverse cardiovascular effects in the fetus and may have long-term neurocognitive effects as well. CASE PRESENTATION: We pre-sent reports for 2 patients in whom uterine relaxation was maintained with nitroglycerin and magnesium infusions without any exposure to halogenated anesthetic agents. There were no adverse fetal or maternal effects from this technique. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reports of open fetal surgery being performed without the use of halogenated anesthetic agents. This has potential short- and long-term benefits for the fetus, particularly as more complex and longer duration minimally invasive procedures are developed.

Anesthetic Implications of the New Guidelines for Button Battery Ingestion in Children.

Button battery ingestions result in significant morbidity and mortality in children-before, during, and even after removal. The injuries created by a button battery lodged in the esophagus develop rapidly and can be severe. The current of the button battery, conducted through saliva and the tissue drives a highly alkaline caustic injury, leading to liquefactive tissue necrosis. In June 2018, new guidelines were released from the National Capital Poison Center, which include the use of preoperative protective, pH-neutralizing and viscous barrier interventions with honey and/or sucralfate administered within 12 h of ingestion. In addition, the use of postremoval irrigation of the esophagus with 50-150 mL 0.25% acetic acid is done in the operating room to help neutralize the site of tissue injury. Given that anesthesiologists play an important role in the management of esophageal foreign body removal, the entire specialty needs to be aware of the supporting data behind this and general perioperative considerations for management and potential complications of button battery ingestion.

Perioperative Management of Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Updated Recommendations for Anesthesiologists.

Approximately 1 of every 300 children in the United States has type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), and these patients may require anesthetics for a variety of procedures. Perioperative coordination is complex, and attention to perioperative fasting, appropriate insulin administration, and management of hypo- and hyperglycemia, as well as other metabolic abnormalities, is required. Management decisions may be impacted by the patient's baseline glycemic control and home insulin regimen, the type of procedure being performed, and expected postoperative recovery. If possible, preoperative planning with input from the patient's endocrinologist is considered best practice. A multi-institutional working group was formed by the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Quality and Safety Committee to review current guidelines in the endocrinology and anesthesia literature and provide recommendations to anesthesiologists caring for pediatric patients with T1D in the perioperative setting. Recommendations for preoperative evaluation, glucose monitoring, insulin administration, fluid management, and postoperative management are discussed, with particular attention to increasingly prevalent insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Anesthesia for fetal surgery.

Fetal therapy is an exciting and growing field of medicine. Advances in prenatal imaging and continued innovations in surgical and anesthetic techniques have resulted in a wide range of fetal interventions including minimally invasive, open mid-gestation, and ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedures. The potential for maternal morbidity is significant and must be carefully weighed against claimed benefits to the fetus. Appropriate patient selection is critical, and a multidisciplinary team-based approach is strongly recommended. The anesthetic management should focus on maintaining uteroplacental circulation, achieving profound uterine relaxation, optimizing surgical conditions, monitoring fetal hemodynamics, and minimizing maternal and fetal risk.