Anesthetic Management of CVJ Surgical Procedures, Particularly Transoral Procedures

Anesthesia for craniovertebral junction surgery is complex and highly specialized. In addition to the basics of safe anesthesia delivery, the anesthetic management should include safe performance of fiberoptic intubation and avoidance of airway trauma, proper positioning of the patient, maintenance of physiological hemodynamics and body chemistry during surgery, extreme vigilance to safeguard the airway during the procedure, and proper ventilatory and nutritional management in surgical intensive care postoperatively.