Transversal spinal cord lesions are among the most serious consequences of severe spinal injuries. Approximately 85% of patients who survived the first year after injury would die due to urological complications. They have a significantly shortened average life span. Sacral deafferentation accompanied by implantation of a sacral anterior root stimulator which restores the patients´ ability to control micturition, defaecation and erection is a newand very effective method of treatment of these patients.Theauthors describe both the specific technique of anaesthesia and basic principles of perioperative care associated with this procedure which was carried out for the first time in an Eastern European country. The procedure is performed in an extreme prone position and controlled hypotension is essential. Restriction of fluids, anaesthesia with a limited administration of neuromuscular blocking agents and the participation of an anaesthetist differentiating both the anterior and posterior spinal cord roots are further specific features of this procedure. The authors also present results of surgery of first six patients who underwent surgery in the University Hospital Brno from January to September 2001.

        Key words: sacral deafferentation – implantation of a sacral anterior root stimulator – anaesthesiological technique – controlled hypotension