Anesthetic management of two parturients with cerebral palsy and prior selective dorsal rhizotomy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical spine procedure used to reduce spasticity in patients with upper motor neuron dysfunction caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy. The optimal anesthetic approach for obstetric patients who have undergone a selective dorsal rhizotomy is unknown. The use and efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia in these patients has not been described. We describe the use of neuraxial anesthesia in two patients with prior selective dorsal rhizotomy. Unless contraindicated for other reasons, a neuraxial anesthetic approach appears to be an effective option in patients with a history of a selective dorsal rhizotomy.