General: Myasthenia Gravis

Abstract

In this chapter the essential aspects of myasthenia gravis and Eaton-Lambert syndrome are reviewed. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. Issues addressed with regard to preoperative evaluation include assessment of disease severity, medication for myasthenia gravis, and presence of Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Intraoperative issues discussed are the type of anesthesia used for such patients and dealing with varying degrees of muscle relaxation common to patients with these neuromuscular disorders. Postoperative concerns addressed include postoperative weakness and myasthenic crisis. Conditions that worsen these syndromes are also discussed and treatment modalities are reviewed.