Anesthesia for perinatal surgery.

A 30 year gravida 3 para 2002 woman presented at 28 weeks' gestation with polyhydramnios. Ultrasound revealed a single fetus with a large anterior neck mass. With halothane general anesthesia providing uterine relaxation and maintaining placental and umbilical blood flow, an otolaryngologist attempted to secure the airway. We discuss the rationale for our anesthetic management and suggest its use in similar situations in which surgical intervention may be required in the immediate perinatal period.