Neonatal Emergency Surgeries

Anesthesia for neonatal emergencies can be extremely challenging for the anesthesiologist. Fortunately, with medical advancements, many neonatal emergencies can be treated medically, reducing the need for emergency surgical intervention. Nonetheless, care of sick neonates, especially those who are premature, requires sufficient knowledge, experience, and vigilance. This chapter aims to provide a brief overview of pertinent anatomy and physiology relevant to the care of neonates in emergency cases. Some basic and overarching anesthetic considerations will be addressed, including an essential setup. Finally, this chapter will highlight key aspects of specific neonatal surgical emergencies, including gastrointestinal surgeries, airway surgeries, and neurosurgery.