Anaesthetic Management of a Pregnant Patient with Intraspinal Schwannoma for Excision

Abstract

Spinal tumours, like schwannomas although rare in pregnancy may cause serious problems ranging from acute neurological manifestations in the mother to adverse effects in the developing fetus. Both surgery and anesthesia, although necessary can also have risks of their own. We, describe here the successful anaesthetic management of a 30 year old pregnant patient at 23 weeks gestation for excision of an intraspinal schwannoma with the help of tailormade neuroanaesthetic plan for the patient. A multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between the surgeon, the anaesthetist, neurologist, obstetrician and neonatologist helped us achieve this goal.