Continuous spinal anaesthesia for laparotomy

SummaryContinuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) for laparotomy was described more than 100 years ago. Recent literature on CSA suggests that this technique can be used as a sole anaesthetic technique for laparotomy especially in patients with severe cardio-respiratory disease who would otherwise be considered unlikely to tolerate general anaesthesia or where general anaesthesia could result in a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. This article describes how to use the technique of CSA in high risks patients undergoing laparotomy, potential problems that might be encountered and how they can be treated and prevented.