12-HOUR ANESTHESIA IN A PATIENT WITH EPIDERMOLYSIS-BULLOSA

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) an inherited disorder presents clinically w ith recurrent cutaneous blister formation with possible involvement of mucous membranes and other organs. The sequelae ofthis disease pose m ultiple challenges to the anaesthetist and operating room team. Recent literature describes several anaesthetic techniques for the short sur gical procedures this patient population may undergo. We describe the anaesthetic technique employed in a 28-yr-old woman with recessive dys trophic epidermolysis bullosa who underwent 12 hr reconstructive surge ry followed by a review of the literature that includes a recent descr iption of the possible association of EB with at least two distinct ne uromuscular diseases. A detailed description of airway and skin manage ment is described in addition to preoperative concerns. We conclude th at a prolonged operative procedure can be undertaken successfully in t his population with minimal sequelae involving skin integrity and airw ay management.