ASA updates practice advisory on visual loss linked to spine surgery

Editor's Note

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has published a new “Practice Advisory for Perioperative Visual Loss Associated with Spine Surgery 2019,” which updates the Practice Advisory published by the ASA in 2012.

The purpose of the Advisory is to enhance awareness and reduce the frequency of perioperative visual loss during and after spine surgery.

The Advisory focuses on perioperative management of patients who are having spine procedures in the prone position while receiving general anesthesia. It does not address management of patients who receive regional anesthesia or sedation.