Taylor's approach in an ankylosing spondylitis patient posted for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A challenge for anesthesiologists

We describe a patient with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy under spinal anesthesia. At preoperative assessment, it was considered that intubation of the trachea was likely to be difficult. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was attempted, but without success. As the standard technique for spinal anesthesia failed, a variation of the paramedian approach in the lumbosacral approach, also known as Taylor's approach was successfully attempted. This resulted in adequate sensory and motor blockade for the surgical procedure. The patient did not require airway interventions, but equipment and aids to secure airway were available.