[Anesthesia for ten patients with Prader-Willi syndrome].

Previous reports indicate that Prader-Willi syndrome may present various problems during anesthesia and the perioperative period. We retrospectively investigated anesthesia records of 10 patients (2 adults and 8 children) who were diagnosed to have Prader-Willi syndrome, and who had an operation under anesthesia. Three patients had small mouths, small jaws or both. Decreased musle mass was observed in 2 patients. Two patients were morbidly obese (BMI 33, and 51). General anesthesia was used in 9 patients. Spinal anesthesia under fluoroscopy was performed in the remaining one patient who was morbidly obese (BMI 51). Among 9 patients who received general anesthesia, mask ventilation was difficult in one patient, but insertion of an oral airway relieved the problem. Difficult tracheal intubation occurred in one patient. No other major problems occurred. We conclude that the incidence of problems during anesthesia and postoperative period in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome would be less than previously considered.