ANESTHESIA AND TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS

The anaesthetic management of a patient with tuberous sclerosis underg oing two-stage scoliosis surgery is described. The patient suffered fr om severe mental retardation, seizures and facial angiofibromas. Gener al anaesthesia using isoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen, supplemen ted with opioid analgesia and hydralazine, and labetalol to induce hyp otension, appeared to be satisfactory. Postoperative recovery was dela yed and complicated by pleural effusion, sputum retention and mild sei zures. Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disease well known for its neurocutaneous manifestations. Other organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys may be involved. The potential problems in the anae sthetic management of a patient with tuberous sclerosis are discussed.