Anaesthetic Management Of A Neonate With Congenital Absence Of Sternum- Cantrells syndrome

Abstract

Abstract : Sternal defects are very rare congenital
anomalies. Primary closure earlier in life is the ideal treatment
of choice because of the flexibility of thorax and its ability to
grow and accommodate the heart and lung without
compromising its function with minimal compression. With this
notion if we proceed for surgery without ruling out all possible
congenital anomalies accompanying the sternal defect, we
could end up having catostropic results. This case-report is
about anaesthetic management of 7 day old neonate with a
large congenital sternal defect who showed a favourable
outcome following primary closure. Though the anaesthetic
management appears to be simple, the complex nature of the
condition and possible pitfalls an anaesthetist would end up
making, are highlighted here. The above could totally
determine the outcome of the surgery.
Keyword : Sternal cleft, Congenital absence of sternum,
Anaesthesia