Anesthetic considerations in a preterm: Extremely low birth weight neonate posted for exploratory laparotomy

Preterm neonates present unique challenges to the anesthesiologist due to their immature physiology and anatomy. Many preterm neonates are critically ill and can develop necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, intra ventricular hemorrhage, and heart failure or retinopathy of prematurity. Anesthesiologists play a vital role in the management of preterm neonates requiring surgical interventions, by integrating their knowledge of the developmental physiology and pharmacology. The successful conduct of anesthesia in premature neonates requires an understanding of the basic principles of neonatal care.