Perioperative care of patients with neuromuscular disease and dysfunction

Abstract

A variety of different pathologies result in disease phenotypes that are summarized as neuromuscular diseases because they share commonalty in their clinical consequences for the patient: a progressive weakening of the skeletal muscles. Distinct caution and appropriate changes to the anesthetic plan are advised when care is provided during the perioperative period. The choice of anesthetic technique, anesthetic drugs, and neuromuscular blockade always depends on the type of neuromuscular disease and the surgical procedure planned. A clear diagnosis of the underlying disease and sufficient knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology are of paramount importance to the practitioner and guide optimal perioperative management of affected patients.