• S Goldstein, D Dean, S J Kim, K Cocozello, J Grofsik, P Silver, and R P Cody.
• Department of Anesthesia, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. goldstsh@umdnj.edu
• J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. 2001 Apr 1;15(2):158-68.

ObjectiveTo determine if a significant number of anesthesiologists are performing spinal and epidural techniques in adults undergoing cardiac surgery and if any neurologic injuries have been associated with these techniques.DesignAnonymous survey of clinical practice.SettingData collected via mail from members of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists.ParticipantsAttending anesthesiologists.InterventionsAnesthesiologists completed an anonymous survey of their use of spinal and epidural techniques in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Measurements And Main ResultsOf 3974 anesthesiologists, 974 (24%) responded to the questionnaire; 892 are at institutions that perform cardiac surgery. Of the 892 responders, 68 (7.6%) reported they use spinal techniques, whereas 62 (7%) reported they use epidural techniques. Nine (1%) anesthesiologists reported they use both techniques. There were no reports of neurologic complications related to the use of spinal or epidural techniques performed by the anesthesiologists responding to the survey.ConclusionsA significant number of anesthesiologists are performing spinal and epidural techniques in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Prospective, controlled trials should be performed to evaluate the benefits and risks of spinal and epidural techniques in this population.Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company

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