Perisurgical management of patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Patients with neuromuscular disorders who undergo surgical procedures are particularly predisposed to complications during the perioperative period. Such complications may arise from respiratory failure, arrhythmias,or infections, and particularly MH. It is recommended that these patients be monitored for respiratory and cardiovascular complications and receive proper respiratory toilet, physio-therapy, and incentive respirometry. Proper electrolyte balance is mandatory. They should be monitored in the ICU when necessary. Excessive sedation of these patients, and drugs that could aggravate weakness or cause MH, should be avoided. Those at risk of MH should not receive drugs that may precipitate an attack.