Anaesthesia and surgery: information to share
Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2026 10:48 am
People with Rett syndrome may have respiratory, cardiac rhythm, seizure, feeding and positioning considerations that are relevant to anaesthesia. Individual pre-operative assessment is essential.
Key points to discuss:
- Tell the team about the diagnosis, baseline breathing patterns, snoring/apnoea, aspiration risk, seizures and all medicines.
- Share any ECG/QTc history, previous anaesthetic problems and family reactions to anaesthesia.
- Explain communication and pain signs, mobility limitations, scoliosis and safe transfer/positioning.
- Ask how fasting, essential medicines, post-operative respiratory monitoring, pain control and feeding will be managed.
- Do not stop seizure or other regular medicines unless the treating team gives specific instructions.
Sources:
- Consensus care guidelines: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488790/
- Rett UK best practice guide: https://www.rettuk.org/resources/resour ... ice-guide/
Important: This post provides general information, not individual medical advice. Care and treatment must be personalised by qualified healthcare professionals. If you are worried that someone is seriously unwell, use your local urgent or emergency service.
Key points to discuss:
- Tell the team about the diagnosis, baseline breathing patterns, snoring/apnoea, aspiration risk, seizures and all medicines.
- Share any ECG/QTc history, previous anaesthetic problems and family reactions to anaesthesia.
- Explain communication and pain signs, mobility limitations, scoliosis and safe transfer/positioning.
- Ask how fasting, essential medicines, post-operative respiratory monitoring, pain control and feeding will be managed.
- Do not stop seizure or other regular medicines unless the treating team gives specific instructions.
Sources:
- Consensus care guidelines: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488790/
- Rett UK best practice guide: https://www.rettuk.org/resources/resour ... ice-guide/
Important: This post provides general information, not individual medical advice. Care and treatment must be personalised by qualified healthcare professionals. If you are worried that someone is seriously unwell, use your local urgent or emergency service.