Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia for Gastroschisis Repair

SUMMARY: Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly with a high perioperative mortality. Administration of general anaesthesia to these high risk neonates is associated with several problems including postoperative apnoea and the need for mechanical ventilation. Central neuraxial blocks, and more recently, combined spinal epidural have been administered for major abdominal surgery in neonates. We present the case of a neonate posted for gastroschisis repair conducted under combined spinal epidural anaesthesia and discuss the several advantages of this technique.