Key result
Spinal anaesthesia succeeds for elective caesarean section in one patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome.
Why the study?
There is no consensus on the optimal anaesthetic technique for parturients with Klippel-Feil syndrome undergoing caesarean section, in whom vertebral fusion and spinal deformities challenge airway and neuraxial management.
Case Report (n=1)
Spinal anaesthesia can be successfully performed in parturients with Klippel-Feil syndrome, though preparation for a potentially difficult airway is essential.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support spinal anesthesia feasibility in Klippel-Feil caesarean sections with conversion readiness; leaves open need for larger series before practice change.
Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital condition defined by the fusion of one or more cervical vertebrae, often associated with a range of skeletal and extra-skeletal abnormalities. The presence of cervical vertebral fusion and spinal deformities can make both airway management and neuraxial anaesthesia technically challenging in this population. This report describes a primigravida with KFS who underwent an elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. The preparation included consideration of a potentially difficult airway, even though general anaesthesia had not initially been planned. We reviewed relevant literature on anaesthetic management in similar cases. There is no consensus on the optimal anaesthetic technique for the management of parturients with KFS undergoing caesarean section. Each case should be evaluated individually. It is essential to prepare for potential conversion to general anaesthesia and always prioritize patient safety.
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Valentić et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Klippel-Feil syndrome (n=1). Spinal anaesthesia was evaluated. Spinal anaesthesia was successfully utilized for an elective caesarean section in 1 primigravida with Klippel-Feil syndrome, requiring preparation for potential conversion to general anaesthesia.
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