Major spine surgery

Abstract

Current operative approaches to the spine range from "band aid" lumbar discectomy and foraminotomy to extensive anterior/posterior resections for spinal tumors. In this chapter, perioperative and intraoperative pathophysiologic conditions and procedures relevant to the anesthesiologist are discussed including rheumatoid arthritis, management of metastatic spinal tumors, posterior lumbar inter body fusion procedures and laparoscopic approaches to the spine. Considerations and new findings related to perioperative visual loss following spine surgery are also highlighted.