Anaesthesia for thoracic surgery in paediatric patients: congenital diaphragmatic hernia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula repairs – what is new?

Abstract

Anaesthesia for thoracic surgery in a neonate poses challenges that relate to both complexities in neonatal physiology (especially in premature infants), as well as surgical challenges that arise with thoracic surgery in this patient population. A thorough understanding of the physiological implications and anaesthetic considerations for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) repairs is paramount to clinicians administering anaesthesia in these patients. This narrative review is aimed at re-visiting the anatomical lesions, their pathophysiology, current management guidelines, anaesthetic considerations, and anaesthesia management.